The worst part about a breakup is often the moment when you realize that ending the relationship was only half the battle. Even if you feel confident that breaking up was the right move, readjusting to a new sense of normalcy will take time. During the messy and emotional period following the separation, you may notice that your anxiety levels are higher than normal. Fortunately, there are some therapist-approved tips for post-breakup anxiety that can help you cope, and ultimately, move forward.
"Breakups are filled with emotions including sadness, anger, and anxiety," Dr. Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and host of The Kurre and Klapow Show, tells Elite Daily. "Although not everyone will experience anxiety after a breakup, those who do will have different reasons for feeling anxious." According to Dr. Klapow, there are many aspects of a breakup that could be causing you to feel off. "Anxiety about being alone, having to change out of a comfortable routine, worrying about what your ex is doing, or nervousness about getting back into the dating scene are all reasons why you may not be feeling like your best self after a breakup." In order to work through these tricky emotions, the first step is to get to the root cause of your feelings.
When sorting through the complex emotions left behind in the wake of a breakup, reflecting on the deeper implications of your anxiety, and what it may reveal about your mindset, is key. "The biggest mistake you can make is to ignore the anxiety you are feeling and 'just move on,'" warns Dr. Klapow. "The reality is that the anxiety is giving you information about how you saw the relationship, your ex, yourself, and your future." While analyzing this information can be both painful and daunting, skipping this step could lead to less clarity on the situation later down the line.
"Don’t just jump into another relationship," urges Dr. Klapow. "Learn about why you are anxious, what it means about your approach toward relationships, and how you can grow from this experience." In the end, transitioning out of a relationship can take a lot longer than most people realize. During this time, it's normal to feel on-edge. Running from your emotions won't make them go away. The best thing you can do for yourself is to acknowledge how you're feeling and commit to embracing the road ahead. Even though change might not feel good, going through it is the only way you'll be able to experience all of the growth that's on the other side.
Sources:
Dr. Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., clinical psychologist