Why heartbreak hurts so badly & how to survive it

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Most of us have been through a heartbreak and remember the experience vividly when called to mind. When you find that one special person and invest yourself completely into their care, it affects both your mind and body when you lose them. Studies have shown that within minutes of hearing your partner talk about breaking up or leaving, your heart rate drops significantly. You may recognize this happening with a feeling of faintness or nausea. Your body isn’t done reacting to the bad news, and after the shock wears off your nervous system begins secreting loads of cortisol due to the high level of anxiety you feel. You become more susceptible to colds and the flu, and sleeping through the night is impossible. As your body continues to deteriorate with the breakup, increased stress levels begin affecting hair growth as well as other factors such as loss of appetite. You begin wondering who you are without your significant other, and this confusion clouds your thinking as well as your work performance. 

Your brain tries to help you recover as quickly as you can, which is why you may want to get rid of every memory of your ex. But throwing out photos, unfollowing them on social media or blocking them from your phone may help temporarily, but it’s a short fix. You have to grieve the loss before you can fully recover. Don’t worry. Once again your body is going to help you with this process. Loneliness affects the body by raising a hormone level (progesterone), which makes you feel motivated to get out there again and socialize. It’s one reason you may see couples re-marrying after the death of a beloved spouse. Being with someone is healthy and makes you feel more secure and happy.

How to get yourself back together:

Breakups are a reminder that everyone changes and that includes relationships. You can’t hold on to someone who doesn’t love you and expect to find happiness. Appreciating your good friends, supportive family, and a deeper understanding of yourself are essential in surviving a heartbreak!