How to Deal With Depression Over Your Ex

Breakups are hard to deal with because they are often unexpected or dreaded and you feel like you lost a part of yourself and your life in the ordeal. No matter the reason for the breakup, it is normal to feel at least a little sad about it or even depressed. It is heartbreaking to feel rejected or even betrayed, and these feelings are part of the grieving process after a relationship ends. When you are trying to deal with depression over an ex, keep in mind your sad feelings will not go away overnight, but they will fade with time.

Instructions

• 1

  Spend time taking care of you. While you were in a relationship, chances are much of your time was spent thinking about or taking care of your significant other. Now that this chapter of your life is over, focus on taking care of yourself, doing activities you enjoy and exploring new interests. For example, if you have always wanted to take a gourmet cooking class, this is the perfect time.

• 2

  Do not isolate yourself. When you feel depressed, you may not feel like getting out of the house or interacting with others. Keep in mind, however, that you do have friends and family to care about you and want to spend time with you. Make deliberate attempts to get out. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you, and making new friends can help you heal.

• 3

  Remember that moving past a breakup is not about your ex; it is about you. Figure out the reasons behind your feelings (for example, you are angry because you feel betrayed) and move on from there. Once you know why you feel an emotion, you can do something about it, whether that means accepting your situation or letting yourself express anger and/or sadness in a healthy way.

• 4

  Learn to trust again. After a breakup, it may be hard to trust other important people in your life or form new relationships, which can contribute to your depression. When you allow yourself to trust others, you will find that you do not have to be afraid continually of getting your heart broken.

• 5

  Seek professional help. If the breakup happened a couple of months ago and you still find it hard to sleep, concentrate or control your thoughts or emotions, or you still feel hopeless, Help Guide states this is a sign to seek professional help. Seeing a therapist is not a sign of weakness or a reason to feel embarrassed. Rather, it is a sign you are ready to move forward with your life and seeking professional help is the best way for you to do this.