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How do you deal with depression after a breakup?

309 Answers
Last Updated: 08/24/2020 at 12:07pm
How do you deal with depression after a breakup?
★ This question about Depression was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 10th, 2015 9:36pm
Being sad after a breakup is of course very common. Getting over a breakup can take time, it is almost like a grieving process where you have to go through different stages until you can finally get closure and maybe can better deal with the sadness a breakup entails. In the meantime, it is important that you focus on your most basic needs, as sleep and food. It is okay to be sad, acknowledge that, validate your own emotions. Take the time you need and take care of yourself, do things that make you feel good.
Freelyloved
September 18th, 2014 7:42pm
You have to really try to deal with the emotion in the beginning, whether it be anger, sadness, relief, etc., then try to look to the future, make long term goals.
beyondthatsmile
October 19th, 2014 5:27pm
Join a sport,talk to friends, find some type of support. It takes time to recover but eventually you'll move on after a period of time.
Aflower
October 29th, 2014 8:15pm
Try to tell yourself that live goes on after all... I know it is hard, very hard actually, in the beginning, but there is so much more in life as just being in a relationship. Try to do soemthing you always wanted to try out, so you won't think too much about the break up. Be strong after all
Anonymous
November 7th, 2014 6:47am
Chocolate is ALWAYS a good idea but so is support from friends and family. Sometimes, a shoulder to cry on can be a dad's shoulder or a friend's shoulder.
PeaceTrain
November 10th, 2014 10:39am
Trying to put your mind on something else works really good. Work hard, go to some long tour or meditate. They all work really well!
mysticalcod
August 14th, 2015 3:17pm
I think this is a tough one especially if you didn't want to break up. I think these things take a lot of time to heal. I also think spend as much of your free time with friends and family coz sitting home by yourself dwelling on the breakup isn't going to help
ConfideInMe07
December 20th, 2015 12:31am
Post breakup I would refrain from listening to songs that will make me miss my partner. I'll completely avoid them. Make a list of why they are jerks. Delete any data I have on them. Listen to songs that will make me feel confident and I'll absolutely not let them rent a place in my mind or heart and move on.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2016 2:59pm
I go out with my friends and try to do things I like, to enjoy my life and see always the positive side of everything.
Esmeralda1
August 5th, 2015 12:27am
Firstly, I think it as an experience. An experience which I will never forget about. An experience which will change all my thoughts, treats and future. The lessons I learned will always help me in my future relationships (either with friends or another one). What happens, happens and time will never stop for me. I will cry, be sad, but think it as a part of my life and continue. One door closes, another one opens.
Sunflowerseverywhere
July 8th, 2015 7:32pm
Firstly, realize that the relationship is over, and work your way from there. If it was a devastating break- up, it might prove that ending it was the right thing to do. Secondly, after being loved by someone else, learn to love yourself even more. Focus on yourself for a bit, seek support in friends, and remember that there is someone much better out there waiting for you :)
AloneAcneLove
June 24th, 2015 8:53am
Find DISTRACTION and FOCUS. The best thing to do is to do something that will get your mind only THINKING about that "ONE THING". Not your ex, but a thing that you LOVED/LIKE other than your ex.
LightAtTheEnd57
June 4th, 2015 6:41pm
i have not has a break up personally, but ii have helped others with theirs and see what has helped them. First you never want to be alone, because that's when you can feel upset or sad and do something bad. i recommend that you go out and explore new things, take time for yourself and spend time with things and people that make you happy. Support groups are very important!
Silverlingg
August 7th, 2015 1:13pm
After a breakup it's important to not isolate yourself. Rekindle friendships and hobbies that may have become neglected through your previous relationship. Being alone is the worst thing when suffering with depression after a breakup so the best thing to do is to reach out to other people, whether that be family members or friends and surround yourself in the happiness of others.
Anonymous
February 5th, 2016 9:36pm
Coping with it will be hard but try to understand and me kind to yourself. Breakups are hard
SunnySara
March 1st, 2016 12:54am
You have to do whatever makes you happy or whatever makes you sad. It's honestly very different for each case
JTKMA
June 5th, 2016 6:53pm
I'm trying to speak to a lot of people, I go out with friends,.. I just do everything I can to think about something else like sport, draw, videogames or anything else. And if I want to stay at home cause I'm too depressed to go out, I speak with people on Skype. I also try to think about all the defaults of my ex and tell myself that I can have better and so it's not a big waste.
Anonymous
August 22nd, 2016 6:41pm
Everyone needs time to grieve after a breakup, death in the family, etc. BUT you have to remember that you are worth it! You have to mentally and physically pull yourself together and get back on track by focusing on yourself. The right person will come your way with time! Never let any situation get in your way, but let it be another lesson learned and you'll be able to help someone else who is facing the same situation that you are.
LoveHateAppreciate
July 2nd, 2015 4:30am
Remember the good times had with my ex. Recognize my emotions and accept them. Also I like to stay physically active and social to prevent from isolation.
Emmy20
July 2nd, 2015 7:08pm
Breakups are hard, but that's why we have friends and family. They may not always agree with our decisions, but they're always there when you need a shoulder to cry on. If not that, you'll always have 7 cups!
Greatlistener87
December 19th, 2015 5:51am
It is always good to deal with the cause of the depression to deal with the depression and in this case its the breakup. Breakup's involves a lot of emotions and it takes time to deal with this emotions and to accept where you are now. Always remember there is always a reason for the breakup and whatever it was its a good reason enough for you to move forward in life.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2015 11:36pm
I personally had a really rough breakup with a person whom I thought was my soulmate. We were thick as thieves. And it all stopped without warning. No news, no seeing each other. What I found was the most helpful to me was to immerse myself in other things: TV Shows, studies, sport... Anything that requires your full attention, and makes you feel again.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2015 5:11pm
I write things down,rip the pieces of paper up and throw it in a bin or burn it. I sone times also talk to people to release my feelings. Distracting yourself with things you enjoy can also help.
Amaris77
December 23rd, 2015 11:53am
I'll find someone who will help me realize that Life is beautiful&that I should enjoy every minute!!
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 1:50pm
Seeing them or reminding yourself of them by social media for example is going to give you more depression so keep yourself away from them and their social medias by blocking them because reminding yourself of them will cause you to miss them and feel depressed. Surround yourself with supportive people and friends and just keep yourself busy and do the things you love
LeahListens
December 19th, 2015 6:05am
Breakups can be hard. I personally went through a very difficult one myself. The best way to handle it is allowing yourself to grieve for a little while. For some this may be a day, for others it could be up to a week. However, once you have allowed yourself to grieve, you need to jump back into life. Hang out with people you enjoy doing things with or spend time on a hobby of yours. Anything to distract your mind for the breakup. Eventually, it will get easier. Yes, thoughts will still come up and it's okay. But I promise you will make it through, I know it's hard to believe in the moment and I was able to make it through despite what I may have thought
JoeMarlo
December 17th, 2015 6:41am
It is important to remind yourself if there isn't someone to do so for you that there are many people in the world all as unique and lovable as the next and that it isn't the end of days, This is a normal reaction to such a situation and you should only become worried if the depression hovers or lingers for two weeks or longer and has been unrelenting.
birdwatcher444
December 18th, 2015 1:10am
Getting over a breakup can be really tough. It's okay to be upset, and it's natural to feel depressed and hopeless after a breakup. But, it shouldn't keep you from functioning as you normally would. A breakup isn't the end of the world, even if it feels that way. Stay strong, and get help if you feel depressed constantly after a breakup! c:
courageousRose27
December 18th, 2015 9:50am
Divert your attention to brighter things. Go back of discover new hobbies. Reconnect wih old friends. Focus on your family and career.
CuddlyOasis98
December 17th, 2015 2:19am
You could do something that makes you happy like hang out with friends or enjoy any hobby like, playing any sport, listening to music, or reading a book or anything that you like. Give Time for yourself pamper yourself maybe go to some spa or somewhere else you enjoy going