How to Overcome Depression from Breakup: Tips and Strategies to Heal

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, Jakarta — Gamer from China nicknamed Fat Cat (21 years old), tragically died as a result of suicide after a breakup. Thinking about this matter, how can you overcome depression due to love problems?

Breakups are hard, especially when they come as a surprise. It is natural for a person to experience many painful emotions.

Why break up painful?

Quoted from the page WebMd, Wednesday (8/5/2024), romantic love is like an addictive drug. This can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain. Loss of passion during a breakup can cause emotional and physical problems such as anxiety and fatigue.

Emotional stress can also increase stress hormones which can make people feel like they are having a heart attack. It’s called broken heart syndrome. Disappointment can disrupt the way people think about themselves. “People may feel uncomfortable when adjusting to a new self-concept,” according to the report.

Other common symptoms after a breakup include:

– Lonely

– Sadness

– impulsive nature

– Changes in food

– Sleep problems

Recognizing heartbreak depression

It is normal to feel uncomfortable for a while after a breakup. However, major depressive disorder or clinical depression is different from general depression. In clinical depression, you may experience the following symptoms:

– Persistent sadness or worry

– Feeling empty”.

– Easy to get angry

– Fatigue

– General feelings of guilt or worthlessness

– There is no hope for the future

– Less interest in things you used to have

– Changes in food

– Sleep problems

– Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions

– Move slowly or speak

-Enterprise

-Headache

– Body pain or stomach problems

– Thoughts of death or suicide

Risk factors can be history of depression, drugs, alcohol and others. Symptoms of depression can take 3-6 months to disappear or longer.

Here are some healthy ways to feel better:

1. Avoid social media

You may be tempted to check your ex’s accounts. But this can cause bad feelings and slow down recovery.

2. Avoid your ex

This is not always possible, especially if you and your partner have children. But try to limit contact as much as possible immediately after the breakup.

3. Set thinking boundaries

You are more likely to experience depression if you keep ruminating. That’s when you think about something over and over again. You may be able to control your obsessive thoughts if you set aside a certain amount of time each day, say, 30 minutes, to process the breakdown.

4. Reflection

Reflection consciousness teach yourself to focus on the moment. Research shows that this practice may help reduce anxiety and rumination.

5. Physical exercise

Regular physical activity per week for 3-6 months can help reduce symptoms of depression in some people. Take it easy on yourself. A breakup can hurt self-esteem. Instead of dwelling on the mistakes you made, try to learn from them. That will help you have better relationships later.

6. Talk or confide

Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. A study showed that people felt better when they met with researchers to discuss how well they were handling their breakup.

7. Don’t isolate yourself

Even if you don’t talk about the breakup, it’s still important to connect with others. If you can’t meet in person, text or video chat with friends or family.

8. Remember the future

Think about your next relationship or focus on yourself. This may help you feel optimistic about the future.

When do you need professional help?

Talk to your primary care doctor or psychiatrist if your mood persists and does not improve after a few weeks. It is best to make an appointment early if you cannot do normal activities, such as showering, eating, or going to work.

Your doctor may recommend the following:

1. Speech therapy

A counselor can help you process your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. You may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or problem-solving therapy.

2. Handling

Antidepressants work on chemicals in the brain that affect how we feel and deal with stress. You may have to try several options to find the right one. Give them at least 2-4 weeks to work. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.