Getting support after a breakup is critical for your ability to heal. Breakups are hard under the best of circumstances (on the rare occasion that the decision truly was mutual). Most of the time, it's a long and painful process €" on both sides of the decision. Someone is almost always left standing behind wondering just what happened to the rest of their lives.
It's easy to feel lost, alone, and even a little bit afraid of the future in the days and weeks following a breakup. Most people suffer through this alone. You don't want the rest of the world to know just how much the breakup has affected you. You want to pretend that you've got everything under control. But inside, you feel more alone than you've ever felt in your life. How do you get the support you need when you're afraid to let anyone know how you really feel?
Tap Into Your Inner Circles
Everyone has a circle of friends and family. Unfortunately, people who have been in long-term relationships may share a great number of friends and family members. But, it is also likely that you are closer to some and your ex is closer to others within that circle of friends and family.
Your friends are a great source of support at a time like this. They can commiserate with you, offer sympathy, and even help you get back on the track to healing. Sometimes they can also help you rediscover a little bit of laughter and/or levity in your situation.
Just be aware that your friends and family have your back. If you're hoping to work things out and have any hopes that you'll be able to get your ex back on the other side of this heartbreak then you need to be careful how much you share with them. You may be able to forgive and forget the one you love but they might not be quite so accommodating because they love YOU and your ex caused you pain.
Consider Joining a Support Group
While it's not the easiest solution for everyone; it is a solution that works with a lot of people who don't want to turn to their circle of friends and family. Yes, there are support groups for people who have loved and lost, had their hearts broken, and even for those who have been cheated on and are trying to pick up the pieces. Some support groups are very specific such as support groups for those who are divorced, have been cheated on, or who are "suddenly" single. You'll have to find the one that best fits your situations and meets your needs.
In these groups you'll get a little support, a few sympathetic ears, and a new understanding that life does go on €" a little at a time €" after relationships end. You may even gain new perspective on how to face a life without your ex in it as you see others in the group make small steps and achieve small accomplishments on their own.