Verywell Mind / Getty
I was 16 the first time I had my heart broken.
After he ended things, my heart felt like it went through a meat grinder.
What was going on in my brain and body?
Verywell Mind / Getty
The Emotional Impact of Heartbreak
Failure and disappointment were the first emotions.
I thought I let myself down by not being the best girlfriend in the world.
I was left picking up the pieces of myself, the person I was before the relationship.
Mashburn shares that grief is often harder for us to emotionally and psychologically understand.
The physical symptoms often coincide with the mental issues, making a break-up feel both physically and emotionally draining.
Dr. Romanoff adds that people often experience the grief process through a breakup on a physical level.
Mental Health Consequences
Healing a broken heart isnt as simple as getting over it.
This can unconsciously keep the relationship alive and contribute tofeelings of being stuckand unable to move on.
Coping Strategies and Recovery
There isnt a one-size-fits-all to recovering from a breakup.
Mashburn echoes this, noting that recovering from heartbreak takes time and grace for oneself.
Create New Routines
Dr. Romanoff recommendscreating new routineswhile recovering from heartbreak.
Pick up a hobby that you used to love or always wanted to try.
Be active and find a way to move your body in a way that feels good to you.
Get Social
I only hung out with my boyfriend and ignored my friends during that teenage relationship.
Breaking up meant that my social life also ended.
I needed to either get back with my old friends or make new ones.
When my heart broke the next time, I had friends who were there for me no matter what.
Re-engage in relationships that may have been neglected during your relationship, advises Dr. Romanoff.
Lean on your social support connection to process, vent, and work through the breakup.
Therefore,treating myself with compassionwas the best thing that worked for me over my many broken hearts.
Tell yourself you are worthy of love, you will move forward and your heart will mend.
They can help guide you through the healing process and give you the support you need.
Pedersen CA.Biological aspects of social bonding and the roots of human violence.Ann N Y Acad Sci.
2024;12(1):41-54. doi:10.1177/21676968231209232
