You may have heard the phrase “broken heart” used to describe the emotional pain that comes with losing someone you love.
Yet, did you know there is a medical condition that can cause physical symptoms similar to a heart attack? It’s called “Broken Heart Syndrome.”
This is the reality of lots of people who go through extreme emotional stress. It might be a breakup, severe anxiety, or the loss of a loved one.
In the post, we will look into Broken Heart Syndrome and how you can cope with it.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken Heart Syndrome is a condition where extreme physical or emotional stress causes a temporary disruption in your heart’s normal pumping function. Its symptoms are usually similar to those of a heart attack. This includes irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Unlike a heart attack, Broken Heart Syndrome is not caused by blocked arteries. Instead, it’s said to be triggered by a rush of stress hormones that temporarily stun your heart muscle.
How to Cope with Broken Heart Syndrome
So, how do you cope when your heart feels like it’s breaking? Here are some strategies you can try to make it easier to cope:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
You need to recognise and accept what you are feeling. Whether you are feeling confused, angry, or sad, you should experience them fully. Bottling up your feelings will not help with your healing process.
2. Lean on Your Support System
Surround yourself with supportive family members and friends with listening ears and a shoulder to lean on. Do not hesitate to reach out to them for help when it’s needed.
Sometimes, just talking about whatever you’re going through can give you some form of relief.
3. Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling to cope on your own, you should seek the guidance of a counsellor or therapist. They can give you valuable techniques and tools to help you navigate your emotions better. Even more, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms with the help of a professional.
4. Practice Self-Care
You need to practice self-care, both emotionally and physically. You should get enough sleep, eat better, and exercise more. Additionally, find activities that help you relax. It could be spending time outside in nature, taking long baths, binge-watching a show or reading a book.
5. Express Yourself
Find healthy outlets to express your emotions. It could be through music, art, journaling, or physical activities like yoga or dancing. Expressing yourself creatively can provide some form of relief. More so, expressing yourself helps you process your feelings more constructively.
6. Stay Connected
It might be tempting to isolate yourself when you are hurting. However, try to stay connected with others around you. Even if it is a quick phone call or text message, you can reach out to your friends and loved ones. This provides you with a much-needed sense of belonging and connection.
7. Give Yourself Time
Healing from a broken heart takes time. So, no need to rush anything—take it slow and steady. It is fine if you feel like you are not making any remarkable progress. However, you should remember that healing is not linear. Plus, it’s normal to have good days and bad days.
8. Focus on Gratitude
It can be challenging to see the silver lining amid all that pain and heartache. But practising gratitude can change your perspective. It also reminds you of all the other good things happening in your life. Take time every day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It does not matter how little they might seem at that point.
Conclusion
Coping with Broken Heart Syndrome is not easy, but with the right strategies and support, you can get through it. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, practising self-care, and giving yourself enough time to heal, you can gradually mend the wounds of a broken heart.
Remember, every good thing takes time, and you are not alone.
Read also: How apprenticeship paves a path for success.
