All About Estrangement

Estrangement isn't a new concept.
It is however, a highly taboo subject because of societal norms

Many people do not truly know how prevalent and common estrangement can be. Since several people think of estrangement as a one-time event that permanently ends a relationship, many never realize that they or someone they know has gone through estrangement.

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According to a study conducted by Stand Alone UK and Cambridge University, almost one-third of people in the UK have either experienced estrangement or know someone who has. According to the same study, the age bracket with the highest number of people facing estrangement includes people aged 35-54 years old.

Since estrangement is something that adversely affects a large number of adults, Together Estranged has the goal of providing support to those who are now in adulthood but feel the loss of connection with family members.

Stigma Surrounding Estrangement

Despite this being such a common experience, 68% of estranged people said that they felt stigma surrounding their estrangement, according to another study conducted by Stand Alone UK. Many participants mentioned feeling judged and that there was a societal misunderstanding about estrangement.

Several felt judged due to people perpetuating myths about estrangement. Many respondents expressed that they experienced the following from others:

• Judgment and placing of blame/fault

• A contradiction of expectations about what a family “should” be

• Dismissal/disbelief

• Avoidance

• Lack of understanding

• Silence about the issue, lack of exposure

• Contradicting expectations during holidays and events

• Imposed religious/cultural expectations

• Fear of embarrassment/family no longer seeming “perfect”

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