Can't stop crying after a breakup?
I’m sorry you’re going through this difficult time. The fact that you have powerful emotions makes it normal for you to cry. It’s the way to repair your emotions, so cry as much as you want.
Prioritize self-care during a breakup by recognizing your feelings, letting yourself experience them without passing judgment, asking loved ones for support, sticking to healthy eating and sleeping patterns, and doing things that make you happy while delaying important life decisions until you feel more emotionally stable.
If necessary, think about getting therapy to help you deal with your emotions in a healthy way. Don’t repress your sentiments; acknowledge that they are natural and allow yourself to experience sadness, anger, or confusion.
Speak with dependable family members and friends who are able to listen and provide support. Put your attention on good habits like getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and relaxing. Communicate as little as possible with your ex to establish emotional and physical space.
Examine what you took away from the connection and how it can help you develop. To divert your attention and improve your mood, get back into the things you enjoy doing. Seek professional assistance from a therapist if you are finding it difficult to handle the breakup alone.
Don’t move or take a new job or make other big changes until you feel more emotionally grounded. Because healing takes time, treat yourself with kindness and give yourself permission to mourn the relationship’s end.
6 Best Ways to Deal with a Breakup, According to Psychologists
Your brain on a breakup
Many of the distressing elements of a breakup—physical pain and obsessing over your partner—are rooted in the brain.
In a study published by Nature Communications, researchers used MRIs to determine that romantic rejection recruits brain regions involved in both the affective (emotional) and sensory (somatic) components of physical pain.
A significant 2005 study conducted by one of America’s most prominent anthropologists, Helen Fisher, Ph.D., argued that romantic love should be considered a “natural” addiction, due to love’s neural similarity to many substance and non-substance addictive states.
Written by: Micaela Bahn
Visit Prevention to Learn More
Healing from heartbreak takes time, but it's possible to ease the process
8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Acknowledge Your Feelings
While it's only natural to want to feel better, you don't want to suppress your feelings or deny they even exist. Part of the healing process is acknowledging how you feel and allowing yourself to grieve. "It’s important to acknowledge your feelings of distress and grief after a breakup because it is a significant loss," explains Erin Pash LMFT, CEO of Ellie Mental Health.
- Allow yourself the time and the space to cry
- Avoid getting stuck
- Talk to a professional
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn More8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Remove Reminders of Your Ex
- Get Rid of Physical Memories
- Get Rid of Social Media and Digital Mementos
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn More8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Find Closure
"Closure can be anything from talking through your feelings with friends to working through grounding skills that can ease some of the pain and provide growth and comfort," says Pash
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn MoreContinue Your Journey of Healing & Hope
Read Our Story
Explore Audio Healing Files
What Does it Mean to Get Closure in a Relationship?
Understanding what closure is in a relationship can help you and the other person move forward. It improves mental wellness and promotes healing, and you can take steps to find or give closure.
What does closure in a relationship mean?
closure ultimately is an understanding and acceptance that a relationship has ended and often includes a rationale for why it ended,” explains Dr. Beth Ribarsky, professor of interpersonal communication with expertise in romantic relationships.
Written by: Jennifer Litner, PhD
Visit Psych Central to Learn MoreWhat Does it Mean to Get Closure in a Relationship?
How to get closure after a breakup
- Ask to talk
- Accept you may not get answers
- Consider self-reflection and personal growth
- Practice empathy
- Focus on forgiveness
- Turn to your support system
- Talk with a therapist
Written by: Jennifer Litner, PhD
Visit Psych Central to Learn MoreHealing from heartbreak takes time, but it's possible to ease the process
8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Take Care of Yourself
The key to feeling better after a breakup is rooted in caring for yourself. In other words, ensure you're eating right, exercising regularly, showering consistently, and getting plenty of sleep.
"Redefining your own sense of self and focusing on your independence by reigniting things that are unique and important to you is also comforting," Pash explains.
It also may help to pamper yourself a little bit, too. Consider getting a massage, a facial, or a manicure, especially if you think it will boost your spirits.
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn MoreHealing from heartbreak takes time, but it's possible to ease the process
8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Connect With Other People
While it may be tempting to hole up in your bedroom and wallow in self-pity, this is not a healthy response to a breakup. Instead, make a goal to connect with other people.
Take the time to call family and friends. Even reach out to spend time together. Never underestimate the power of laughing and doing something fun with people who love and support you.
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn MoreHealing from heartbreak takes time, but it's possible to ease the process
8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Plan a Solo Adventure
After spending time as a couple, it can be hard learning to be single again. And while the thought of doing something solo may seem a little daunting at first, it also can be extremely liberating too. Of course, you don't have to plan an entire experience, but you should plan to get used to the idea of spending time alone again.
Whether that means spending a relaxing evening alone, going on a hike in the mountains, or planning a short getaway, the key is that you get used to being alone with yourself. If you're having trouble coming up with ideas consider choosing something your ex would never do that you really wanted to do.
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn MoreHealing from heartbreak takes time, but it's possible to ease the process
8 Ways to Feel Better After a Breakup, According to the Experts
Accept That It's Over
While it's tempting to hold onto the hope that you will reunite with your ex, the likelihood of that happening is slim in most cases. As a result, you need to accept that the relationship is over and that it's time to move on.
If you don't accept that things are over, you will be stuck in limbo, waiting and hoping your ex will realize the error of their ways and ask to get back together—most of the time, that does not happen.
While it's a good idea to learn from your mistakes, constantly thinking about what you could or should have done will likely keep you in circles.
Recognize that your mission now is to accept that the relationship is over. Be patient with yourself, though. Healing after a breakup is not a quick fix. It takes some time for your heart to catch up with the reality of the situation. But you will get there as long as you keep working on it.
Written by: Sherri Gordon
Visit Verywell Mind to Learn More