What Does a Heartbreak Feel Like? These Post-Breakup Feelings Are Not Just All in Your Head

For anyone that’s ever been dumped, you know heartbreak really sucks.

It feels like your world is crashing down and the only time you want to get out of bed is to walk to the freezer for your next tub of ice cream.

But if people keep telling you that you’re overreacting, don’t listen. Science says heartbreak isn’t just in your head. It can cause some physical symptoms that are literally painful.

So, ENTITY is here to explain heartbreak, the physical problems it causes and how to deal with it. It’s not just in your head.

But first, what is a heartbreak?

If you want to get technical, heartbreak is the overwhelming distress you feel after a romantic relationship ends. And sometimes this could apply to friendships, too.

It can make someone feel depressed or like they don’t have the energy for their normal routine. And in serious cases, it can even make someone feel like they don’t want to live anymore at all.

And if you’ve ever loved and lost, you can’t forget the emotional, post-breakup dichotomy. Part of you never wants see the person again, while the other half is still hoping they’ll rush back into your arms.

Are there any physical symptoms of heartbreak?

Well, yes. Heartbreak isn’t something that’s all in your head. Scientific studies show heartbreak affects your mental and physical health.

Edward E. Smith, director of cognitive neuroscience at Columbia University, conducted a study in New York City examining the physical consequences of heartbreak. Him and his team analyzed 40 participants who recently felt “intensely rejected,” and what they found was surprising.

The first result was obvious. When the participants’ arms felt something hot like coffee on their arm, their brains lit up with pain signals. Next, they tested emotional responses. They found that when the participants viewed pictures of their exes, their brains reacted with the same pain signals.

So basically, our bodies respond to both physical and mental pain the same way. Because of this, heartbreak can lead to certain physical problems, such as:

1 Insomnia

When you’re dealing with heartbreak, racing thoughts about your ex are pretty common. This can definitely affect your sleep routine. Tossing and turning all night may just seem like a problem for the next morning, but if the feelings aren’t dealt with and insomnia becomes a regular thing, it can have some serious effects.

Short-term effects: anxiety, drowsiness, irritability and forgetfulness
Long-term effects: high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and depression

2 Appetite

Your digestive system also takes a hit when you’re dealing with a heartbreak. For some, this means over-eating to numb the pain. For others, it means not eating at all because you’re too stressed out. So, maintaining a healthy appetite is important because it gives you the fuel and energy you need for your daily routine. And whether you’re binging or starving yourself, both can be seriously damaging.

Short-term effects: weight gain, weight loss, mental confusion and stomach cramps
Long-term effects: obesity, anorexia, stroke, high blood pressure, malnutrition, slow metabolism and depression

3 Immunity

Heartbreak can also make you more prone to catching a cold or the flu. When you’re dealing with high amounts of stress, your immune system takes a toll. If you stop getting regular sleep and a healthy, balanced diet, your body’s ability to fight off sickness weakens. Thus, you’re left at risk for various physical problems.

Short-term effects: flu, cold and injury
Long-term effects: cancer, ulcers, susceptibility to AIDS and other STDs

So how can you deal with heartbreak?

You probably get it by now – heartbreak causes a lot more than shitty feelings. But how do you deal with it?  Well, we have three steps to help your healing process.

1 Let yourself be sad for awhile.

It’s okay to mourn the loss of a relationship. However, make sure you remember that some things are out of your control or are just better apart. Give yourself time to get over your ex, but don’t forget to keep moving forward on a path to regained health and happiness.

2 Go out with friends and meet new people.

It’s okay to be grateful for the memories you shared with your ex. However, don’t let a longing for the past stop you from getting to the good memories of the future. Once you give yourself some time to breathe, get back out there – even if it’s more tempting to stay in your room.

3 Stop blaming yourself.

There’s no use in picking your brain to find all the tiny moments you may have gone wrong. You’ll drive yourself crazy. Instead, be happy for the experiences you gained. And use the things you learned to better yourself for your next relationship.