10 Effective Ways to Heal and Cope With a Long-Term Relationship Breakup

Rachel Martinez
By Rachel Martinez Updated on: January 29, 2025 Fact Checked by Sandra Aninwaeze

A long-term relationship breakup can be a painful and challenging experience, especially if you have invested a significant amount of time and emotion into the relationship. It can leave you feeling lost, confused, and heartbroken.

We’ll reveal 10 effective ways to heal and cope with a long-term relationship breakup.

Short on Time? (Summary)

According to a study published by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, the average length of a romantic relationship is about three years. However, some relationships can last much longer, making the breakup even more devastating. Signs of a failing long-term relationship may include:

  1. Communication Breakdown: Lack of communication or frequent arguments can lead to a disconnect between partners.
  2. Lack of Intimacy: A decrease in physical or emotional intimacy can result in feelings of distance and disconnection.
  3. Constant Arguments: Frequent fights and disagreements can create a toxic dynamic in the relationship.
  4. Growing Apart: Interests, values, and priorities may change over time, causing partners to grow apart.

Coping with a long-term relationship breakup can be overwhelming, but there are ways to navigate through this difficult period. Here are some tips to help you recover from a breakup:

  • Allow Yourself to Grieve: It is normal to feel sadness, anger, and other emotions after a breakup. Give yourself time to process these feelings.
  • Seek Support from Friends and Family: Surround yourself with loved ones who can offer support and a listening ear.
  • Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Health: Engage in activities that make you happy, and prioritize self-care.
  • Focus on Self-Improvement: Use this time to reflect on yourself and your needs, and work on personal growth.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions after a long-term relationship breakup.
  • Seek support from friends and family to help you through this difficult time.
  • Focus on self-improvement and taking care of your physical and emotional health to move on from the breakup.

Understanding a Long-Term Relationship Breakup

Understanding a Long-Term Relationship Breakup - coping with a long-term relationship breakup

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Understanding a long-term relationship breakup is crucial to heal your broken heart and move forward. Here are key factors to consider:

  • Emotional Impact: Acknowledge and process your feelings of grief, sadness, anger, and confusion.
  • Reasons for Breakup: Reflect on the reasons behind the breakup, such as compatibility issues or a lack of communication.
  • Self-Reflection: Take time to understand your own role in the relationship and identify areas for personal growth.
  • Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support and guidance.
  • Time and Patience: Healing takes time, so be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve and heal at your own pace.

How to Cope With a Long-Term Relationship Breakup

How to Cope with a Long-Term Relationship Breakup - coping with a long-term relationship breakup

Photo Credits: Positivesdating.Com by Walter Thompson

Going through a long-term relationship breakup can be a difficult and painful experience. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused during this time. In this section, we will discuss some helpful ways to cope with a long-term relationship breakup.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve

After a long-term relationship breakup, you should give yourself time to process the breakup and heal your broken heart. Here are a few steps to help you achieve that:

  1. Recognize your emotions and give yourself permission to feel them.
  2. Allow yourself to cry and express your sadness.
  3. Take time off to process your emotions and heal.
  4. Engage in activities that help you release your grief, such as journaling or talking to a trusted friend.

Remember, grieving is a natural part of the healing process. Give yourself the time and space you need to mourn the loss of the relationship.

2. Seek Support From Friends and Family

Seeking support from friends and family is crucial when coping with a long-term relationship breakup. Here are some steps to take:

  1. Reach out to trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support and a listening ear.
  2. Share your feelings and experiences with them, allowing yourself to express and process your emotions.
  3. Ask for advice or guidance if needed, but also remember that their role is primarily to support and be there for you.
  4. Engage in activities or outings with loved ones to distract yourself and create positive experiences.
  5. Lean on their support during difficult moments, knowing that you have a network of people who care about your well-being.

3. Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Health

After a long-term relationship breakup, you should take care of your physical and emotional health to prevent further breakdown.

Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Give yourself time to heal and process your emotions.
  2. Engage in regular exercise to boost your mood and relieve stress.
  3. Eat a balanced diet to nourish your body and support your mental well-being. It is important to stay hydrated.
  4. Get enough sleep to restore your energy and promote emotional resilience.
  5. Practice self-care activities such as meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
  6. Reach out to a therapist or counselor for professional support and guidance.
  7. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family.

Remember, taking care of yourself is essential during this challenging time.

4. Focus on Self-Improvement

After experiencing a long-term relationship breakup, it can be beneficial to focus on self-improvement as a means of healing and moving forward. Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Take time to reflect on the relationship and identify areas for personal growth.
  2. Set realistic goals for self-improvement, such as acquiring a new skill or pursuing a hobby.
  3. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing self-care.
  4. Consider seeking professional help or therapy to work through any emotional trauma or unresolved issues.

What Not to Do After a Long-Term Relationship Breakup

What Not to Do After a Long-Term Relationship Breakup - coping with a long-term relationship breakup

Photo Credits: Positivesdating.Com by Kyle Torres

Going through a long-term relationship breakup can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience. It’s natural to want to cope with the pain and fill the void left by the relationship, but there are certain things that you should avoid doing in order to heal and move on in a healthy way. In this section, we will discuss the things that you should not do after a long-term relationship breakup.

1. Avoid Rebound Relationships

Most people jump into the next relationship to try to fill the void caused by the breakup. This is entirely wrong and damaging for both parties involved. You should avoid getting into another relationship shortly after the breakup. Doing so can impede your healing process. To prevent rebound relationships, follow these steps:

  1. Take time for self-reflection and understanding what may have contributed to the end of your previous relationship.
  2. Focus on self-care and building a strong foundation of self-love and self-worth.
  3. Avoid seeking validation or filling the void through another person.
  4. Set clear boundaries and communicate your intentions honestly with potential new partners.
  5. Take things slow and allow yourself sufficient time to heal before committing to a new relationship.

Fact: Taking time to heal and rediscover yourself after a breakup can lead to stronger and healthier future relationships.

2. Don’t Isolate Yourself

After a breakup from a long-term relationship, it’s crucial not to isolate yourself as doing so can impede the healing process. Here are some steps to avoid isolation:

  1. Reach out to friends and family for support and companionship.
  2. Join social or interest groups to meet new people and participate in activities.
  3. Express your feelings and emotions through journaling, therapy, or joining support groups.
  4. Stay active by engaging in hobbies, exercising, or volunteering.

3. Don’t Blame Yourself

Blaming yourself after a long-term relationship breakup is common but not productive. Instead, focus on healing and moving forward with these steps:

  • Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that relationships require effort from both parties.
  • Reflect on Lessons Learned: Use the experience as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement.
  • Seek Support: Surround yourself with loved ones who can provide comfort and perspective.
  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace self-blame with positive affirmations and realistic self-appraisal.

After the end of my long-term relationship, I initially struggled with self-blame. However, I have since learned to forgive myself and acknowledge that relationships involve two individuals. By focusing on self-growth and surrounding myself with positive influences, I have been able to heal and look towards a brighter future.

4. Don’t Stalk Your Ex on Social Media

Stalking your former partner on social media after a breakup of a long-term relationship is not healthy. It can hinder your healing process and prevent you from moving on. Here are some steps to avoid stalking your ex on social media:

  1. Unfollow or unfriend them on various social media platforms.
  2. Turn off notifications from their accounts to avoid temptation.
  3. Limit your time on social media to reduce exposure to their posts or updates.
  4. Redirect your focus and energy towards self-care, hobbies, and personal growth.

Remember, healing takes time, and obsessing over your ex on social media will only delay your progress. Instead, focus on building a new chapter in your life and finding happiness independently.

Moving on and Finding Closure

Moving On and Finding Closure - coping with a long-term relationship breakup

Photo Credits: Positivesdating.Com by Kenneth Jackson

Moving on from a long-term relationship breakup can be a challenging and emotional process. However, it is crucial for finding closure and beginning the healing process. In this section, we will explore three key steps to help you move on: forgiving and letting go, focusing on the future, and seeking professional help if needed. These steps will aid in your journey towards healing and finding closure after a difficult breakup.

1. Forgive and Let Go

After a long-term relationship breakup, you should forgive yourself and your ex for whatever went wrong in the relationship. Doing this will help you heal and move forward. Here are steps to help facilitate this process:

  1. Accept your emotions and give yourself space to grieve the loss.
  2. Practice self-compassion and reassure yourself that it’s normal to feel hurt.
  3. Release any anger or resentment towards your former partner through therapy or journaling.
  4. Focus on personal growth and dedicate time to activities that bring you joy.

2. Focus on the Future

Focusing on the future after a long-term relationship breakup is essential for healing and moving forward. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process:

  1. Reflect on past experiences and lessons learned.
  2. Set by setting new personal goals and aspirations.
  3. Embrace new opportunities and experiences.
  4. Build a strong support system of friends and family.
  5. Engage in self-care activities to nurture your well-being.
  6. Explore new hobbies or interests that bring you joy.
  7. Take time to heal and process your emotions.
  8. Stay positive and cultivate a positive mindset.

3. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Seeking professional help after a long-term relationship breakup can be beneficial for emotional healing and personal growth.

  • Research: Look for therapists or counselors who specialize in relationship issues.
  • Scheduling: Book an appointment with a professional who aligns with your needs and availability.
  • Openness: Be honest and open during therapy sessions, sharing your thoughts and feelings.
  • Active Participation: Engage in therapy exercises, homework, and discussions to make progress.
  • Consistency: Attend therapy sessions regularly and commit to the healing process.

Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, and a trained therapist can provide guidance and support during this challenging time.

Conclusion

Breakups can be devastating and it might seem like you’ll never be able to get over it.

Remember that it takes time to heal, and you will eventually find peace and happiness after a long-term relationship breakup. Follow our guide to facilitate your emotional healing journey! When you’re ready to find love again, consider signing up to the best dating sites to find a suitable partner.

Rachel Martinez
Author Rachel Martinez

Rachel Martinez, aged 37, is a Certified Relationship Therapist known for her empathetic approach to counseling. With 15 years of experience, she specializes in couple's therapy, using methods that blend classic and contemporary therapeutic techniques.

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