‘No shame in divorce’ - Longmore talks separation, healing and growth

Senator Dr Saphire Longmore is embracing a new chapter in her life following her recent announcement of her divorce from Alex Dropinski, a former European Union diplomat.

Longmore is stepping forward with resilience, self-awareness, and a deep commitment to personal growth. In a candid interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, she shared her perspective on divorce, acknowledging its emotional challenges while underscoring the importance of accepting it as a natural part of life's journey.

"It's not the end of the road; it's not the end of your life," Longmore said, emphasising that there should be no shame in the decision to get a divorce.

"It is no light decision. Every situation is unique, and every approach is very individual ... because everybody deals with something like this in their own way," she said.

There were 18,697 divorces in Jamaica from 2017 to 2022, data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica of Jamaica reveal. Conversely, there were 90,207 marriages over the period. The rate of divorce in 2000 was measured at 1.346 per 1,000 population.

Longmore, who recently got divorced from Alex Dropinski, said divorce can place an emotion burden on persons and said it oftentimes requires time and space to heal from it.

"There is a significant grieving process that you have to go through. You are losing something that you held at one point very close. It is a bereavement process and you should allow yourself to go through that," she explained. Still, Longmore, a seasoned psychiatrist, stressed the importance of personal growth and rediscovery during such times.

"It is a process of getting back to you, it is a process of remembering who you are and striving to be that person," Longmore shared. She spoke about the challenges of emotional recovery and advised those facing overwhelming situations, like divorce, to remain focused on their motivations and inner strength.

"You have a higher purpose; you have a reason that pushes you forward. If you stay mindful of that and remain committed to it, it can help sustain you through the difficult times," she said, adding that healthy coping is possible with the right support systems in place.

"If you have your mechanism in place, mentally, physically and socially, you are able to best deal with the curve balls that life throws at you, and if you're dealing with your physical, your social and your spiritual health, your mental health will be at its best," she explained.

She also emphasised the importance of having a support system in place, especially during emotionally challenging times. For individuals navigating the difficulties of divorce, Longmore encouraged them to engage in activities that nurture self-esteem and promote healing, rather than dwelling on the past.