#16. Cofreros, James Karlo M.

11-
Bulkhead

What is a heartbreak?

Heartbreak is more than just an emotional defeat; to some

the pain is very real. At one point or another, everyone must

experience this mind numbing feeling (unless you confine yourself

to a house and never interact with even a pet) but that's not the

norm and you're probably not reading this article if you've had

that kind of sheltered life. Heartbreak can be caused by many

different circumstances and that's what makes this emotion easily

recognized by nearly every person on the planet. It can result

from the loss of a loved one, a partner, a friend and even a close

pet. Or it can be caused from disappointment, betrayal or a

change from known surroundings. It might not even be a loss at

all but a sense of loss, or the realization that the love of the

person you care most for is drifting far from where it had always

been.
(http://www.science20.com/variety_tap/science_behind_heartbrea

k-33900)

The stages of heartbreak:

1.Shock and Denial- you may deny the reality of the situation; this

provides emotional protection from feeling overwhelmed by the

situation. The shock of loss allows a state of emptiness to move

in, clouding most judgment.

2.Pain and Guilt-after the shock wears off it becomes replaced

with suffering and unbearable pain. Regret for things you did

wrong, or things that you werent able to do with this person adds

to further tears. Life feels chaotic during this time, and its best to

openly discuss feelings and stray from bottling up your emotions

3. Anger and Bargaining- lashing out is a common form of

attempting to release all unspoken emotions. This is the stage

where the why why why?! questioning comes in. The pleas for
returned love run rapid, trying to bargain with fate or with the

person who was just lost.

4. Depression, Reflection, and Loneliness- like everyone else in

this situation, a period of sadness clouds and

absorb your entire sense of being, leaving feelings of emptiness.

This feeling occurs when you finally realize and accept the

magnitude of your loss. Isolation from people is exceedingly

normal, and offers a time to reflect on the past.

5. Acceptance and an Upward Turn- The feelings of depression lift

slightly and life becomes possible to survive without that person

so deeply intertwined with each activity. The days are a little

easier to shuffle through, and you see the possibility of

continuation. The reality of the situation is fully accepted and,

although happiness may not return for some time, the ability to

move forward has occurred.

(http://www.science20.com/variety_tap/science_behind_heartbrea

k-33900)
References:

(http://www.science20.com/variety_tap/science_behind_heartbrea

k-33900)