Heartbreak can cause a large amount of stress, especially if the loss is a sudden one. This stress can affect how we feel emotionally and physically, and may take weeks, months or even years to recover from.
A broken heart occurs when a person experiences loss. Most often, people use this phrase to describe how someone feels after the breakdown of a romantic relationship.
A broken heart may not only increase the chance of depression or anxiety. Emotional distress and grief may also cause other health conditions.
The brains of people who’ve been dumped are “active in regions linked with profound addiction” withdrawal from the drug that was the partner and the love she or he offered.
This explains the uncontrollably obsessive feelings so many people experience after being left behind.
Experiencing the loss of a relationship due to a breakup or death is traumatic. People will likely feel strong emotions immediately following this trauma.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health these reactions are intense and can last for several weeks or months.
It is normal for a person with trauma to experience symptoms such as:
- continually thinking about what happened
- feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness
- difficulty sleeping
The intensity of what a person feels will typically lessen over time. However, in some instances, these feelings may grow in intensity and make a person feel worse.
When this happens, it is important that they speak with a doctor or other mental health professional. Without this help, these emotions can develop into depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.
Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major life changes that cause trauma and stress can also trigger depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
-
- persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- hopelessness
- irritability
- a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies
- changes in appetite
- fatigue
- restlessness
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- sleep disturbances, such as difficulty sleeping, waking too early, or sleeping too much
- suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Seeking Help
If you feel overwhelmed with negative emotions after a heartbreak, consider talking with a healthcare professional. This can be a doctor or a mental health specialist.
You should speak with their doctor if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack or feeling suicidal.
After a heartbreak, if you feel that your depression or grief is getting worse and you have no one to turn to, you can contact a mental health expert for professional help.
