Even the word “heartbreak” is a real drag. You have no control over how or when your heart will be shattered, but you do have power over how you handle the hurt and, in the end, move on. This can manifest as “depression, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, change in appetite, crying spells and more.” You must treat your heartbreak with the same care, rest, and physical therapy that you would a broken leg. It will require time, support, new experiences, and the ability to process challenging emotions. Staying in the now and experiencing your feelings—both the highs and the lows—is essential to recovering from heartbreak, even though it’s easier said than done. The sadness will only grow if you pretend everything is well. Seek assistance from a therapist or join a support group that addresses loneliness, depression, and/or breakups. Keep in mind that experiencing emotional ups and downs is common. You will be a jumble of contradictory feelings; you may be depressed one moment and furious or guilty the next. These conflicting feelings are common. More often than not, feelings of melancholy give way to feelings of guilt. Due to this, “we do not take the time to register the sadness because we are too preoccupied with paying attention to a feeling out of shame and internal or external pressure.”
