Couple breakups are not usually easy. The end of a relationship can turn your world upside down, triggering a large number and variety of emotions. Some people quickly accept the end of a relationship and move on, but others are not capable and end up suffering from the symptoms of depression. The person may feel that his heart is broken and as if he is out of the world, isolated.
Although it is a very hard phase for the person, with proper treatment it can be overcome, the important thing is not to ignore the symptoms for a long time. In this Psychology-Online article we tell you how to overcome depression after a breakup.
Index
- Difference between sadness or depression due to a romantic break
- How to get over a breakup: treatment
- Tips to overcome a love breakup in women and men
- How to get out of breakup depression: the importance of a support network
Difference between sadness or depression due to a romantic breakup.
Like the depressive symptoms
It is normal to experience a duel phase when you've suffered a loss, but that doesn't mean that every emotion you feel is a normal reaction. There are healthy and unhealthy symptoms after a breakup. Knowing the differences between these symptoms can help us determine whether or not we are experiencing depression.
Some symptoms that we could consider as normal reactions could be:
- Anger and frustration
- Sadness and easy crying
- Afraid
- Insomnia
- Loss of interest in activities
If these symptoms are part of the "normal" reactions to the break, your mood will improve little by little as you adapt to your new life. The amount of time that each person needs to improve little by little depends on each one and the circumstances of it, you have to be patient. Even if sadness and other negative emotions These are normal reactions that are experienced after a breakup, it is important to recognize when those reactions constitute depression.
Symptoms of depression due to a breakup
While feeling sad or having pain after a breakup is normal, you should see a professional if symptoms don't start to improve in a few weeks or if they even get worse. To be diagnosed with depression you must experience at least 5 of the following symptoms over a period of at least 2 weeks:
- Feel sad, empty or hopeless most of the day for several days
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously rewarding
- Loss of weight and appetite or increased appetite and weight
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Speech and movements significantly slower
- Feeling out of energy most of the time
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts related to death even suicidal ideation
Depression can happen to anyone after a breakup, but some people have more risk, such as those with a family history of depression or other states of the cheer up. Other factors can contribute to depression after a breakup such as hormonal changes, the loss of a job or of a loved one.
How to overcome a couple breakup: treatment.
To know exactly how to overcome depression after a breakupYou should see a specialist if symptoms do not start to improve within two to three weeks.
Psychological treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal are two of the main therapies used in people with depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy consists of changing negative thoughts and changing them for more adaptive ones, since they overcome the relationship implies that you do not have obsessive thoughts about the other person, nor that you ask yourself again and again what it was that failure. Sometimes relaxation techniques or other behavior modification tools are also recommended.
Psychopharmacological treatment
Based on the symptoms, the professional will prescribe antidepressants that will help to cope with the emotions experienced. These include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine (prozac) and paroxetine (paxil)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: duloxetine (cymbalta) and venlafaxine (effexor)
- Tricyclic antidepressants: imipramine (tofranil) and nortriptyline (pamelor)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: tranylcypromine and phenelzine
Make sure you understand the risks of taking antidepressants. Some medications can cause sexual side effects, increased appetite, insomnia, and weight gain.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen or if you have very serious side effects, as he may make a dose adjustment or a change in medication.
Tips to overcome a love breakup in women and men.
Some ways of coping with depression that are not part of professional help are:
- Perform physical exercise: physical activity can strengthen the immune system and increase your energy. Exercise also increases endorphin production, which improves your mood. It would be advisable to do 30 minutes of physical activity at least three times a week.
- Keep busy- Explore new activities and try to keep your head busy. If you're feeling depressed, going for a walk, reading a book, or starting a new project in your life might help.
- Sleep the necessary hours: having a good rest can help you improve your mental state and cope in a better way with the breakup
How to get out of breakup depression: the importance of a support network.
Get over a breakup it can be easier when we have the support from family and friends. You don't have to go through this phase alone. Surrounding yourself with positive people, who encourage you will come in handy. If you feel lonely or scared, call someone you trust and make plans with them.
- Avoid negative people Being judged or criticized as they can make your depression worse and make the breakup even more difficult.
- You can also fight loneliness and depression after a breakup making new friends and reconnecting with those with whom you have lost contact. Any social activity that is rewarding for you is suitable, whether it is signing up for language classes, music, dance..., joining a club, volunteering, etc.
- Even if your depression is not severe enough to require psychotherapy, joining self help group It can be a great tool to overcome depression after a breakup. There you will meet people who are in the same situation as you or who have experienced it, and you will also be able to learn techniques to deal with those emotions.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to get over breakup depression, we recommend that you enter our category of Feelings.
