Priory Media centre How to cope with the breakdown of a long-term relationship. How to cope with the breakdown of a long-term relationship. Clinical Psychologist Dr Georgia Henderson offers advice to those coming out of a relationship. They may feel beyond your control. So while for some people it might come as a relief, or be part of an amicable separation, for many the shock and distress that comes from rejection can be difficult to handle.
Classic signs of clinging on to a past partner might include: Trying to make your ex jealous by turning up at places they may be or posting things online. Dr Henderson said there were practical ways to help recover after a split.
So, what can you do to help yourself? Lots, says Dr Henderson. Losing a partner can mean losing your go-to person. When we try and ignore our thoughts and feelings, they actually intensify and become more distressing. For example, if you see a cute meme that they would love, think of five other people in your life who have your sense of humour and send it through to them rather than focusing on not having your ex Rebuild your network focusing on what the relationship helped you with, and take it as an opportunity to build up the parts of yourself that you may have neglected Rewrite your narrative: instead of pining for your shared romantic trip to the Caribbean, remember that spot as the place you learned to surf or when you first embraced a new type of food Most importantly, you want to be with someone on the same path you.
Try and check in with yourself: am I sad to have lost this person, or is it about something else? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave - can help you understand what role this relationship might have played in your life, and some of the unhelpful patterns you could be in.
It will also help you organise your emotions so they feel easier to manage. Some people have difficult core beliefs about being unlovable or faulty in some way; break-ups can be a very significant trigger of these feelings. Getting therapy can make you feel much more hopeful about your next relationships and your future. Get the support you need today by calling us on: or sending an enquiry form online.
