This first week after the sudden shock of a breakup can leave you feeling unmoored, as though your entire reality has been shaken. During this time, it is vital to ground yourself instead of acting impulsively in ways you may regret later.
We asked psychologist Shireen Dargan at Maarga Mindcare what one should prioritise in the healing journey. She said ‘moving forward’ should be the biggest priority.
Moving forward means genuinely allowing yourself to heal rather than plotting a ‘revenge glow-up,' compulsively checking your ex's following list, whether they are back on dating apps, or giving in to the urge to reconnect just to find out whether they cared or loved at all, and declare that you still miss them. It is equally crucial to steer clear of destructive coping mechanisms, such as rebound relationships or substance use.
The first week can set the emotional tone that follows, making it an important time to find yourself again.
Elaborating more on the importance of moving on, the psychologist said, “A breakup can leave you feeling emotionally overwhelmed, distracted, restless, or even physically exhausted. During the first few days, the goal is not to ‘move on’ immediately. It is to stabilise yourself, process what you are feeling, and slowly return to a sense of routine. The first week is not about forgetting someone. It is about finding your footing again."
Here are 5 tips from the psychologist on what to do in the one week after a breakup:
During the first week, there may be days when you feel fine, spend time with friends, or perform well during a client presentation, making it seem as though you are steadily progressing on your healing journey. Then, there may be days when you find yourself sobbing on the floor. There's nothing wrong with this back and forth. The psychologist reminded us that healing is rarely linear.
Shireen's parting advice is:"Healing is not linear. Feeling okay one day and having a difficult day the next does not mean you are going backwards. If sadness, anxiety, sleep or appetite changes, or thoughts of self-harm become intense or persist, reaching out to a mental-health professional is important.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
