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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
cellardoor1985
June 24th, 2015 1:25am
try as hard as you can every day not to act how you feel. you are going to have to be the most patient person in the room for an undetermined amount of time and it is awful.
Anonymous
June 21st, 2015 8:38pm
Focus on yourself and find things that make you happy again. After a break up, it's important to remember that you can be happy without relying on someone else.
Zora17
June 21st, 2015 4:22pm
Allow yourself time to grieve over the lost relationship. Do not bottle your feelings, express them. Reach out for support around you and talk about it. Keeping a journal and writing out your feelings can help in coping and in figuring out yourself and the situation. Figure out ways to fulfill your life, such as by taking on new activities and responsibilities. Get involved and meet new people if you can, such as with a new job or volunteering. If the depression persists and you continue having difficulty, perhaps you have a lack of resources and support in the environment around you, reach out to a hotline or a professional like a counselor or therapist.
alfonsojon1997
June 21st, 2015 2:35pm
Well, I went through a very rough time with a relationship of mine - it all felt so real, so right, and I thought I'd probably marry her some day. Life had other plans, and I moved to Wisconsin; and she found someone else and left me for him. I was heartbroken for a very long time, and it ended up making me irrational. I'd say to stay true to yourself, and move forward, no matter how much pain there is. I was basically mourning over spilled milk for months, and it got me nothing but more pain. Sooner or later, someone who's a perfect match will come your way, and you have to keep your eyes open to see it, rather than staying blind and in the past.
Anonymous
June 21st, 2015 11:48am
I stay depressed in my life and i slowly try to help others. I also listen to music and hopefully try to find something meaningful out of my life.
Brownieyes
June 21st, 2015 3:04am
Music. I know that it sounds stupid but it's how I deal with it. Music is the only thing that helps me through my depression besides god.
LivelyLavender
June 20th, 2015 11:03pm
Occupy your mind! Take part in an activity you genuinely enjoy doing. Also, if you have a pet, studies have shown that petting an animal releases endorphins, a chemical that makes you happy!
Anonymous
June 19th, 2015 6:02pm
You accept it all, you get used to it until it hardly hurts anymore but if it causes things like clinical depression then you must go to the doctors for help
MadilynRose
June 19th, 2015 5:10am
Dealing with a breakup is hard. A good thing to do is to talk to someone supportive about it, and make sure your feelings are heard!
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!
ThePhoenixAlwaysRisesAgain
May 1st, 2015 2:16am
Tlc. Take time to discover new things. Take an art class or volunteer for a cause you are passionate about. Adopt or rescue a pet. Just some ideas. I found myself after a traumatic breakup, and it was empowering
Anonymous
April 16th, 2015 8:44pm
Well i feel really sad sometimes... But we're too young to be sad :) Remember you'll be fine and thats a interim heartbrek :) try to feel better
Anonymous
November 20th, 2014 12:50am
Honestly, time is just about the only thing that makes the pain go away. Breakups are tremendously difficult to deal with, but over time you will meet someone or take up a new hobby that makes you happy, even if you don't think you will.
whimsicalStrawberry64
November 18th, 2014 1:29pm
I go no contact for a period of about three months- removing them from social networking/phone and gradually i start to feel better :) I make sure I keep myself busy with activities and meeting up with friends. A good cry now and then also helps to let out emotion
Anonymous
November 13th, 2014 3:01am
The pain was way too much for me to even comprehend for a while.. Watching my favourite movies, and tv shows took me out of the real world for a little bit and made me feel happy again. Distracting yourself can sometimes be one of the best things, especially right at the start when you don't want to accept what happened.
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!
Pandette
November 10th, 2014 2:48am
Everyone deals with depression in their own way. The best thing you can do is try to focus on your daily routine. Don't change what you used to do (for example, going to the gym or watching your favourite shows during a specific time of day). Try to keep in contact with those that love you the most (friends and family). Don't push anyone away because all they really want to do is help.
shorelife
November 9th, 2014 3:56pm
You look after your basic needs. You rearrange your space and shared things in a way that works for you and is decisive, Use your physical environment to mark a change, to draw a line. Get a new and better haircut. Avoid tubs of ice cream. Be kind to yourself and you wait. Change will come to you imperceptibly, until one day you will realise the sun is shinnig ad the birds are singing.
fromthesea
November 9th, 2014 12:50pm
You can try to distract yourself, go out, have fun and eat a lot of chocolate. Call an old friend, meet and go out for dinner. Have fun. Being single is fun. Just think of what you want to do, and do it. It's you-time.
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.
LevisCorde
November 6th, 2014 2:56am
DISTRACTION! Get out there into the world and talk to people, friends, strangers, get your mind off.
Anonymous
November 4th, 2014 10:36pm
Depending on how long the relationship was, the breakup may be harder. If it was a more than a year length relationship that is going to be hard to get over but eventually you will get over it. But until then just try to get him/her out of your mind. You can occupy your mind with sports, going out with friends, reading, anything that you need to use your body and mind for.
Wes2
November 4th, 2014 8:36am
This is a very common and difficult problem-- it's normal and okay to feel sad. Allow yourself to grieve the end of the relationship however you like. Then, when a week or 2 has passed, force yourself to get up and out into the world. You don't need to start dating or find a new relationship, you can do anything. Don't define yourself by the partner you do or don't have-- set a new goal for yourself and pursue that. And new love will follow eventually.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 10:27am
Focus on what kept you happy before you had the relationship, cry and moan. Get it all out. Then breathe and tell yourself that you were once happy without anyone and you can be happy again. Everything takes time but within time, it gets better. Do things you once loved to do, take little steps, but as long as those steps are towards a better direction, it's always an improvement.
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
monokoii
October 29th, 2014 8:19am
I try to distract myself with things I love to do. I try to stop every negative thought and focus on the good things.
Anonymous
October 28th, 2014 5:59pm
Remind myself daily that better things have yet to come, not to slack off on physical activity and stay motivated so I don't sink further, make notes to eat and no matter how much I want to lie in bed, to get up and take a shower. I try to remember that if it's not meant to be then someone better is out there for me. I also lean on good friends to support me and talk with me so that things don't stay bottled up inside.
HereToHelpNotJudge
October 27th, 2014 1:03am
I think to deal with depression after a breakup, it's good to be surrounded by friends. You need the support they can give you. Go out, have fun, get your find off the breakup. At some point, we all went/will go through it and though you feel like it's the end of your world, it's not. Just surround yourself with positivity !
redwhispers
October 25th, 2014 11:36pm
First off, you have to assure yourself that it isn't the end of the world. Second, do fun things with your friends to get your mind off of him/her, and try to take up some new hobbies. Pets also help too. :)
Sadaxo
October 24th, 2014 6:58pm
I like to keep myself busy with anything i could find to keep my mind of it, and try to relax as much as possible.