Are You Obsessing Over A Breakup? Stop! Here's How...


By Mary Darling Montero, BounceBack Therapy Expert

A lot of people wonder how to start feeling better when they can't stop thinking about a breakup. Some have even used the word "obsessed" to describe the way a breakup dominates their thoughts.

Scientists who study the brain have found that different thoughts and feelings create specific chemical reactions in the brain, and that the more these reactions happen the more the brain becomes "wired" to think and feel that way. In other words, if you obsess about the negative thoughts and feelings related to a breakup, they can literally take over your brain.

So how do you stop negative post-breakup thoughts and feelings from running your life? The key is striking a balance between proactively dealing with them and distracting yourself from them.

The first is necessary because if you don't deal with the breakup it will likely find a home in the back of your mind and sit, stubbornly festering away.

Distracting yourself is crucial as well. Let's go back to the brain for a minute: positive thoughts have their own chemical reactions, just like negative ones. That means that just as your brain can become wired to think negatively, it can become wired to think positively.

Now, let's talk about an action plan:

Dealing proactively with negative thoughts and feelings


If you find yourself simply thinking about aspects of the breakup that depress you, and those thoughts are running the same circles in your head, do something active with them - write or talk them out. Write in a journal, on a message board, or send a letter to the BounceBack 'MyEx Mailbox.' Talk to a friend, family member, support group or therapist. The point is to do something with the thoughts rather than just thinking them.

Distracting yourself from negative thoughts and feelings


After you've given these thoughts and feelings some attention in the ways listed above, work on focusing on anything that distracts you in a positive way. Watch a funny TV show or movie; read a good book or a fun magazine; use guided meditation recordings; spend time with friends and talk about jobs, family, or goals; make lists of things you want to accomplish that day, that week, that month, or that year; take a brisk walk or go to a yoga class; clean out a closet. The key is to do something that will help you feel amused, relaxed, loved, energized or accomplished - all of which will create positive chemistry in your brain.

If at the end of the day you find yourself alone with those sad thoughts and feelings again (which is likely), try simply accepting them. Remind yourself that you'd have to be superhuman to not feel sadness after a heartbreak. Congratulate yourself for making a real effort throughout the day to deal with and distract yourself from the sadness. Think about your support system. Remember that tomorrow is a new day.


Mary Darling Montero is a therapist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA. She has ten years of experience providing counseling and therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include life transitions, relationships, trauma, depression, and anxiety. She is certified to practice EMDR for trauma resolution. http://www.goodtherapy.org/mary-darling-montero-therapist.php


BounceBack is changing the way people cope with heartbreak as a result of a breakup or divorce. BounceBack is a place to tell your story, get advice from experts, and share what you've learned with others in similar situations. We're here to remove the negative stigma around being heartbroken - this happens to everyone. And we believe everyone has the potential to bounce back to life and move forward. www.bouncebacktolife.com


Follow BounceBack on Twitter! @bounceback2life

Become a BounceBack Fan on Facebook!

BounceBack is conducting the 2010 Breakup Census. Stand up and be counted! Click here.


More from BounceBack:

On a Post-It? Really? The 10 Worst Ways to Break Up With Someone

Is Your Friend Dating Your Ex? 3 Ways to Handle Yourself with Grace and Style

5 Common Dating Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

How to Technologically Shake Your Ex, For Good

Starting Fresh: 6 Tips to Get Over The Past and Find Love Again

When the Ex is Still Around: 6 Ways to Keep Your Cool

Spring Cleaning the Traces of Your Ex: Your Heart Will Thank You