Experiencing a breakup

Most of us will face a difficult breakup in our lives. Grieving is natural, and in most cases, the pain heals over time and we move on with the lessons we’ve learned. But sometimes, breakups can trigger or worsen larger mental health concerns that, unaddressed, can have serious consequences on our health and well-being.

Learn

How can you protect your emotional health during relationship issues and breakups? What are the warning signs that you or a loved one aren’t coping well with a breakup? Learn the answers to these questions and more below.

Article

How to get over a breakup

The end of a relationship can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t see it coming. This online resource center from Headspace can help navigate relationship breakups.

Article

An overview of breakup depression

A breakup can trigger prolonged and severe emotional distress. Verywell Mind gives an overview of post-breakup depression, the warning signs, how to get help and feel better.
Video

100 people tell real breakup stories

There’s a reason 10 million people have watched The Cut’s compilation of 100 people talking about their worst breakup. Because sharing and hearing stories make us feel less alone.
Article

The best breakup movies

On a lighter note, Mashable has put together a list of 30 movies to help get over a breakup.

Reflect

Dr. Antonio Pascual-Leone speaks about a 3-step process that could help you wrap things up and “finish the feeling”. Antonio is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Windsor, where he trains psychotherapists and is director of the Emotion Change Lab.

Watch the full Tedx talk

  • Step 1: Untangle and identify your feelings

    Anger and sadness are often the dominant feelings after a breakup, but they can all get jumbled together. Pulling feelings apart is an important part of moving past them, so ask yourself questions like “where does it hurt?” and “what’s the worst part?”

  • Step 2: Understand what you really need

    After a breakup, it’s easy to focus on what could have been done differently and to self-blame. It’s important to switch that up and think about what you need, working toward answers like “I need to feel like I matter.”

  • Step 3: Define what was actually lost

    A breakup never takes everything away. You may lose mutual friends, the dream of children or someone who gets you, and that’s painful, but you can truly start healing when you look at what’s lost straight in the eye and see it for what it is.

Act

It’s so easy to get stuck in the mixed emotions of sadness, anger and regret. Here are some actions you can take to help you or someone you know get “unstuck.”

Breathe

Headspace shares quick video breathing and meditation exercises to help you calm your mind and body so you can focus on next steps.

Reach Out

Talking about it helps, either with someone you trust or by reaching out to a mental health professional (who are all trained to help guide you through tough experiences like breakups). GoodTherapy explains how therapy can help when a relationship ends.

Offer Support

It’s hard to know the right thing to say when a friend is coping with a breakup. Self Magazine put together a list of do’s and don’ts to get you started.

Connect

These resources can help you find professional support online, on the phone or in person. For more options, browse the full directory here.

When contacting a resource below, any information you provide will be collected and used by that resource, subject to its end user terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please contact the applicable resource if you would like more information.
Resource Type Contact
Crisis Text Line

Have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Text Line Text ACTION to 741741
Lifeline

Call for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Call Line 988
Warmline Directory

A Warmline is a free peer-run hotline that offers callers emotional support, staffed by volunteers with lived experience.

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Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.

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ADAA Therapist Search

A tool to help find local mental health services, including teletherapy options.

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BetterHelp

A paid online portal that provides access to mental health services, including online counseling, phone, and text communication.

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Talkspace

A paid online text therapy platform that provides 24/7 access to licensed therapists who cover a broad range of mental health services.

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Outside the U.S.? Find a Helpine

Free emotional support, wherever you are.

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