Going through a breakup can be challenging for some people. This difficult phase of life can bring many emotions all together, such as sadness, anxiety, anger, shock, pain, confusion, resentment, guilt, emotional turmoil, and sometimes even jealousy. When a romantic relationship ends, an individual may withdraw from other connections like friends and family members, which also affects their social relationships. It can provoke and trigger feelings of rejection and loneliness, making it more difficult for a person to heal and move on. It may worsen the mental health of an individual, leading to overthinking and ruminative thinking patterns, where one might dwell on the past and frequently question their existence. Such a mental state also directly impacts physical health, leading to poor sleep, lifestyle changes, and an improper routine, which can influence overall well-being.
Apart from this, how one handles a breakup also matters significantly, as it can greatly impact an individual’s overall well-being. Though everyone has different approaches to healing and moving on, the way one handles a breakup— whether through healthy coping strategies or maladaptive behaviors like substance use or withdrawal— can significantly affect overall well-being and its outcomes.
In this article, Megha Singh, Counselling Psychologist at LISSUN (a mental health platform), shares some essential strategies to heal and move forward from an unresolved breakup:
1. Give yourself space to grieve: Grieving is a process which is nonlinear, and it takes its due time. Giving yourself time to acknowledge the emotions, accepting them and validating the pain you are feeling helps one to heal after the loss of a close relationship.
2. Limit social media exposure: Social media may at times act as a trigger, showing us the memories or pictures of happy times. It also often leads to unhealthy comparison of a distorted reality. Taking a break from it and giving space to yourself and your emotions can help in healing from a heartbreak.
3. Find a support system: It is always a good thing to rely on people who are your support system, especially in tough times. Leaning on them often helps in easing one's emotional burden. By sharing what you are going through with your close friends and family, you give yourself a chance to process your emotions better and receive comfort, validation and understanding.
4. Prioritise your well-being: It might sound challenging but it is very helpful in moving on. When we decide to take little steps for our self-care like sleeping better, journaling, etc. it can support us emotionally, physically and mentally, helping in processing our emotions better.
5. Challenge negative thoughts and rebuild a sense of self-worth: After a breakup, challenging negative thoughts and rebuilding self-worth helps in keeping your mental health in a better state. Rediscover yourself, and set personal goals-- this can help in regaining confidence and looking forward to the future.
6. Seek professional help, if needed: Seeking professional help, like therapy offers a non-judgmental and supportive environment to explore your emotions and grief. It helps in rebuilding self-worth and in healing with greater understanding and clarity.
