How Do You Cope With a Breakup?

"As we are all painfully aware, many intimate relationships break down and individuals struggle to cope with the ending of relationships that they hoped would have the potential to last a long time. People of all genders have all kinds of ways of coping with the ending of these relationships. Some are positive and helpful and may even lead to personal growth while others may lead to significant levels of anxiety and depression."

"I was not, however, surprised at some of the other behaviours endorsed, which included seeking social support from friends and family. While this can be a positive coping strategy, it can also reinforce obsessional talk about the ending of the relationship. Friends and family should, of course, be available so that the individual doesn't become socially withdrawn, and to provide love and support, but there should also be a point at which the support group encourages moving on from the relationship and engaging in self-care."

Many intimate relationships end and individuals use a variety of coping strategies to manage the emotional aftermath. Data from 118 Greek-speaking individuals revealed several distinct acts and strategies commonly used after breakups. Frequently endorsed positive strategies include working on self-improvement, positive reframing that treats the ending as an opportunity to find a more suitable partner, starting a new hobby, and staying busy to prevent the breakup becoming the central focus. Seeking social support from friends and family is the most commonly endorsed strategy, but excessive support can reinforce obsessional discussion of the breakup. Support networks should provide care while encouraging moving on and self-care.

Read at Psychology Today