To go through a heartbreak is a normal experience, yet the immensity and intensity of the feelings that arise through this process are enough to question such a “normal experience”. Going through a heartbreak is not easy, not in the least. Even more so, it also impacts our mental and physical health in the most literal aspect. Many may underestimate the aftereffects of a heartbreak but hearing and reading of heartbreaks are not nearly the same as actually going through one. Heartbreaks, as emotionally exhausting as they tend to be, are not never-ending, even though, in many cases, it may take years to recover from a heartbreak.
What are Heartbreaks?
Heartbreaks do not just occur when relationships end. They also occur when friendships are tested and lost; when a relative has passed away; or when one loses an opportunity, a child, or even a pet. Heartbreaks last depending on their severity and all one can do in such a situation they are placed in is practice some self-care tips and take care of themselves mentally, so as to not be sucked in a situation where they cannot get out.
Mental Health Impacts of Heartbreaks
It is such a cliche to speak of heartbreaks. We are exposed to them everywhere – from soapy series, to friends, family, and even acquaintances. What is ironic is that, even with its sensations, it is correlated with some dire mental health issues. This showcases that a heartbreak is not that cut and dry and makes one consider about certain precautions and measures to take in order to alleviate these issues.
Of the mental health issues that a heartbreak causes, the first one is stress, especially if this loss that one feels is extremely unexpected. This stress impacts daily life if not dealt with in a healthy manner and can impact an individual physically as well. According to a report completed by Queensland Government and Health, “our brain registers the emotional pain of a heartbreak in the same way as physical pain.” This explains why one tends to feel actual physical pain in their heart – a pang in their chest.
When it comes to our hormones during an emotional high, love and dopamine are at extremely high levels. However, once a heartbreak and an emotional low occurs, the hormone cortisol is secreted – a hormone that is associated with our fight-or-flight response. The recurrent secretion of cortisol is problematic because it contributes to anxiety, an upset stomach, acne, and weight gain to name a few. Another impact to be addressed is the real life heart attack symptoms that one may get upon experiencing an emotional heartbreak. Extreme stress can cause a section of the heart to be completely immobile, and this leads to various symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, and the like.
Further symptoms of heartbreak are depression, anxiety, and distancing oneself from friends and family. More so, physically, our appetite may change, there may be a lack of motivation, weight loss or gain, headaches, overeating, stomach pains, and just generally not doing well.
Self-Care Tips to Do when Heartbroken
- Drink lots of water
- Get the regular 8 hours of sleep but do not oversleep
- Go for a balanced diet with nutritious food
- Say no to alcohol and caffeine
- Become more active on a regular basis – do not sit and wallow in a sad way at home
- Incorporate breathing techniques to relax
- Reduce and avoid stressful situations