A break up is a very stressful life event and can lead to depression in some people. Even for those who don’t experience depression as a result, for a span of time, their life is in upheaval.
Everyone handles breakups differently. There’s no prescribed time to recover from the emotional hurt. However, if you feel like it’s been a while since the breakup and every day still feels bad, depression could be a possibility.
If that’s you, there are some things you can do to cope. Here are some to consider.
Dealing with Your Shattered Image: Depression after Breakup
Breakups can bring out our insecurities like nothing else. They can leave you feeling inadequate, unloving and unlovable. This emotional tornado can feel so strong that depression can overwhelm you.
These feelings cut to the core of who you are and cause you to question everything about yourself. Thankfully, although your emotions feel very real, they aren’t always centered in reality.
The truth is that we’re all broken people. We all know what it’s like to have key relationships break down because flaws or circumstances on both sides get in the way.
Anyone you decide to pursue as a significant other in the future will be flawed just like you. Don’t let your mind beat you up and tell you that you’re the only one who has failed or is flawed.
The story of humanity never was easy success. It’s one of perseverance. One of continuing to go on despite our failures to reach the summit.
Instead of focusing on what you’ve found is lacking because of the breakup, focus on something else. Zero in on how you can become a better person despite those setbacks.
And when you find that new significant other, you’ll be all the more ready for a healthy, thriving relationship.
Other Quick Tips for Dealing with Depression after Break Up
Exercise: Fight the urge to crawl into bed and stay there. Get out and raise your heart rate and your body will work better. You’ll also be happier with how you look and feel.
Journal: Write out your pain. Scream out powerful words on a page. Rage about the hurts and injustice of it all. But more than all of that, focus on the positive even if it feels weird at first. There is a lot of good to find—you just can’t easily see it yet.
Be Social: Yes, it’s the last thing you feel like doing after a breakup and with depression to boot. But you need to understand others and to be understood. Don’t worry about finding another significant other initially. Just look for people you enjoy being with and that you can trust.
Get Help: If you feel your depression is getting the best of you and you can’t pull yourself out, seek a trusted professional who can help. Remember that doing so isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of inner strength.
If it is time for you to schedule your individual appointment, you can do so online using our online scheduling tool, call us at (949) 430-7269, or text us.
