My wife of 8 years and recently separated. She had been discussing separation for the last 6 months. In the end I took the step of moving out as I couldn't stand the lack of respect from my wife and the negative headspace it was putting me in. I was constantly depressed at home and often did not sleep at night.

Now I see the kids 2-3 days a week when they stay with me. My kids always cry when they leave me, and call me up on the phone and are sad when they are with their mother. I will say that I believe my wife is quite disengaged from the kids and this is why I believe the kids are closer to me and emotionally more reliant on me.

This is the best for the kids, as I do believe that the negativity of two parents together is worse than the loneliness of two separated parents.

Anyway, I am struggling in every aspect of my life. I have no motivation for work and spend my days feeling sorry for myself and missing my kids.

I am living with my parents for the time being which is ok. But how do you get over this type of experience. I feel like I am mourning for a lost family unit and mourning over losing seeing the kids everyday.

Even though I worked full-time, after 6pm I would be at home looking after the kids until bedtime (only a couple hours I know). I would wake with the kids and set them up for the day.

I feel so lonely and hollow, my whole existence for better or worse was built on me being a great and loving father. I am still that, but only seeing them 2-3 days a week is breaking my heart.

I guess its only a matter of time before I adapt, as I have to work. I will just need to readjust my life and the meaning of my life. I know I need to stop feeling like a victim and take responsibility. I was partially responsible for the failure of the relationship, although I don't think I could've done anything to save it except perhaps seek couple's counselling early on.