6 Ways To Get Over Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a universally challenging experience that affects many aspects of daily life. It encompasses a range of losses, from the end of a romantic relationship to a friendship breakup or the loss of a family member. The emotional pain, grief, and upheaval that accompany a broken heart can feel overwhelming, disrupting one’s sense of stability, identity, and future outlook. 

However, healing from all kinds of heartbreak is possible. This article explores various strategies for processing difficult emotions, improving well-being, and ultimately rebuilding life after heartbreak.

6 tips to get over heartbreak

Heartbreak can affect many aspects of daily life. Here are some strategies to process your emotions and improve your mental health.

Acknowledge and process your emotions

Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with heartbreak. Suppressing feelings can prolong the healing process, so it’s important to acknowledge your pain, sadness, and anger as valid and necessary steps toward letting go.

Limit counterfactual thinking

Be mindful of counterfactual thinking, which involves imagining how things could have been different. While it’s natural to reflect on “what if” scenarios, try to limit this type of thinking about your past relationship, as it can keep you stuck in the past and hinder your ability to move forward.

Try journaling

Write down your negative thoughts and feelings in a journal. Journaling can help you process complex positive and difficult emotions, gain clarity, and track your healing progress over time. It’s a therapeutic way to express your negative thoughts and understand your journey, whether that’s moving on from a friend breakup or the end of a romantic relationship.

Stay connected

Resist the urge to isolate yourself after heartbreak. Reach out to a loved one for support, as social connections are crucial for emotional healing. Sharing your feelings with loved ones can provide comfort, perspective, and the feeling of belonging.

Practice self-care

Prioritize activities that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques, self-care helps rebuild your strength and resilience, making it easier to cope with heartbreak and lower stress.

Seek help

Seek professional help to navigate the emotional turmoil of heartbreak. A therapist can offer personalized strategies, support for dealing with emotional pain, and tools to foster resilience and personal growth.

The mental health impacts of heartbreak

Heartbreak, whether stemming from the loss of a loved one or a relationship breakup, can profoundly impact mental health. It’s not merely the absence of a romantic partner but the rupture of expectations, trust, and emotional bonds that can leave individuals grappling with intense emotions like sadness, loneliness, and despair. 

The aftermath of heartbreak often brings about a profound sense of loss and uncertainty about the future, triggering anxiety, self-doubt, and depression in some people. Sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms of emotional turmoil. Healing from heartbreak involves navigating through a complex maze of emotions, seeking support from loved ones or professionals, and gradually rebuilding a sense of self and purpose. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with heartbreak, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety following a breakup. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing a heartbreak is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.