You know that feeling when your world seems to turn upside down, and it feels like a dark cloud is following you around everywhere you go? That’s what I like to call “The Heartbreak Hangover,” or more commonly known as the Breakup Blues. It’s that tough time after a relationship ends, and it can be a real rollercoaster of emotions.​

Right after the breakup, it’s like a shockwave hits you. You’re in disbelief that the person you thought you’d build a future with is suddenly out of your life. You might find yourself replaying the last few days or weeks of the relationship in your head, trying to figure out where it all went wrong. One minute you’re angry, asking yourself, “How could they do this to me?” You might be mad at them for breaking your heart, or even a bit mad at yourself for not seeing the signs earlier.​

And then, the sadness sets in. It’s like a heavy weight on your chest. You start to miss all the little things about them. Remember those lazy Sunday mornings when you’d lie in bed together, just chatting and laughing? Now, your bed feels empty and cold. You might find yourself crying at the drop of a hat, especially when you come across something that reminds you of them, like a song you used to listen to together or a place you used to go.​

The Breakup Blues also mess with your daily life. You might lose your appetite. Food just doesn’t taste as good as it used to. And sleep? Forget about it. You toss and turn at night, your mind racing with thoughts of your ex and what could have been. Your friends try to cheer you up, but it’s hard to snap out of it. You might even avoid going out with them because you don’t have the energy to pretend that everything’s okay.​

Socially, it can be awkward. You’re not sure how to act around mutual friends. Are they going to take your side or your ex’s? You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells. And then there are those moments when you see your ex’s name pop up on your phone or on social media. Your heart skips a beat, and you’re filled with a mix of emotions. Do you check what they’ve posted? Or do you resist the urge and try to move on?​

But here’s the thing, as tough as it is, you will get through this. First, give yourself permission to feel all these emotions. It’s normal to be sad, angry, and confused. Bottling it up will only make it worse. So, have that good cry, scream into your pillow if you need to. Let it all out.​

Then, start focusing on yourself again. Rediscover the things you loved to do before you were in a relationship. Maybe you used to love painting, but you stopped when you got busy with your partner. Pick up that paintbrush again. Go for long walks, read a good book, or try a new hobby. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you and remind you of how amazing you are.​

It won’t be easy, and there will be setbacks. There will be days when you feel like you’re back at square one. But with time, the pain will start to fade. You’ll look back and realize that you’ve grown stronger from this experience. You’ll be ready to open your heart again someday, when the right person comes along. Until then, take it one day at a time, and know that better days are ahead.​