Breaking up can be incredibly painful experience. Particularly if it was unexpected or you had been working really hard to help the relationship survive. It can be a very useful act of self care to book a time with a counselor to talk through recovery process. There are some very practical things that can be done that will help you recover an awful lot faster. Additionally this is a time when you can uncover important insights that can help you in future relationships.
Breaking up with someone you love/loved is emotionally similar to having your arm ripped off. It can feel like the end of the world – alternatively you may feel numb or dazed. Commonly your whole body tends to go on high alert flooding your system with stress hormones. Common symptoms include: Sleeplessness, Hypervigilance – loud noises scare you, Can’t eat, Can’t stop eating (normally junk food), Risk taking, Self Medicating drugs, alcohol, sex, Numb – no feelings, Hugely emotional/thoughts of self hatred/blame, Can’t concentrate, Weight loss, Tired all the time, Feeling depressed/angry/suicidal,
Surviving a Breakup: Grieving and Acceptance
Breakups can be challenging and emotionally draining for many individuals. For some, they may struggle for several difficult weeks, while others might still find themselves grieving even after t...
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How to learn from a breakup
Can break-ups cause depression, PTSD and anxiety?
Not directly. Breakups cause grieving. Grieving and other factors may result in mental health concerns.
After a break up, people can learn various things such as self-reflection, personal growth, resilience, independence, and the importance of communication and boundaries in relationships. They may also learn to prioritize their own needs, invest in self-care, and develop a clearer understanding of what they want in a future relationship. Additionally, break ups can teach individuals about the dynamics of relationships, effective conflict resolution, and the value of learning from past experiences.
With reflection most people can see patterns in their relationship. If you use your break-up as a learning opportunity, you can limit future depression and anxiety. The truth is that less than 20% of people are taught how to have a great relationships during their childhood. The rest of us learn by trial and error, and some by counselling and good information.
If you want to learn how to have a great relationship - or - you want to explore yourself the resources you need for both tasks is in the Relate Unlimited Collection. The 5 Secrets to Relationship Champions is the ultimate collection of concise relationship hacks. The Search for Ourself is a Q&A self-reflection guide.