re: How do people cope with separation or divorce?

Let me guess, she's the one that initiated this process.

I've been divorced twice and the first was by far the hardest since it involved our kid and she initiated it. I was totally blindsided by that announcement and it will put you in a dark place.

The second was more of a mutual thing and nowhere near as hard on the head.

I just immersed myself in work and being more social as to not be alone with my thoughts so much.

The days do get brighter in time, so keep that in mind.