Me, feeling exhausted post-separation. Image. Supplied.

That's the time when you're figuring what your support network looks like. It may be your friends, family members or even a professional advisor like a psychologist or a lawyer. Whoever it is, they're your rocks to help get you through. Good listeners and mood lifters!

And Me, feeling refreshed post-separation. Image. Supplied.

In my relationship, I had let my husband shoulder the responsibility for managing our outgoings, like car payments. After talking to other women I discovered that this financial dependence and long-term deskilling was not uncommon and it often results in a lack of confidence in your own ability to manage financially. I would suggest that post separation is a good time to visit a financial expert to help navigate towards financial independence and create a long-term financial plan to set up your own financial stability. Being financially independent and moving from just surviving to actually thriving gave me a confidence and self-reliance I had never known before.

Loving life. Image: Supplied.

According to Westpac's research, two thirds of Australians considering a separation were hesitant because of the fear of having start over financially.

The handsome prince? He’s long gone.

Life isn’t a fairy tale. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it’s painful, but guess what, it’syouwho’s the hero and you can make ityourstory.

Don’t wait for someone to buy you flowers. Surprise yourself. I remember the first bunch I sent to myself: "To Mandy, I love you. Love Mandy."

How did you cope - or flourish - during or after your split? Share your tips with us below.