Anu Verma, a 44-year-old trauma recovery coach from Coventry, England, offers a candid account of her journey through divorce, postnatal depression, and a renewed relationship with her ex-husband, Rob. This essay, based on a conversation with Verma and edited for clarity, delves into her personal experiences and evolving relationship.
Verma and Rob first met in 2014 while on vacation in Ibiza, Spain. Despite initial reluctance on Verma's part, Rob’s persistence led to a relationship, and they married in 2017. However, after the birth of their son, Noah, in 2018, Verma’s mental health deteriorated. Struggling with postnatal depression and isolated in a remote location, her perception of their marriage became increasingly negative.
In June 2019, while Rob was visiting his mother, Verma initiated divorce proceedings. The decision was swift, with Rob receiving the divorce papers the next day. The couple subsequently arranged a custody schedule, with Verma caring for Noah during the week and Rob on weekends.
During the following year, Verma engaged in therapy, which revealed her postnatal depression. As she worked through her issues, she and Rob began dating again. The pandemic provided a chance for them to reconnect and strengthen their bond. By summer 2021, they had reconciled and were expecting another child, Eva, while also purchasing a new home near Verma’s parents.
Despite their renewed relationship and growing family, Verma has chosen not to remarry. She values their emotional connection over formal commitments and prefers to remain unbound by traditional expectations of marriage.