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RELATIONSHIP BREAKUPS
Student Wellbeing Information for young people
Relationships break up for lots of reasons. Often it’s no-one’s ‘fault and nobody is to blame, things just weren’t working out. Sometimes a break-up can bring a sense of relief, especially if the relationship was making you unhappy. However, it can also bring on a range of difficult feelings such as disbelief (“it’s not really over”), guilt, sadness, anger, or worry, and may lead you to feeling rejected, lonely or confused. Dealing with a break-up Recovery and a return to normal emotional balance is a gradual process and it takes time. Feeling better can’t be forced or hurried. It’s normal to feel sad after a relationship split and it takes time to get over the loss of a relationship. You might feel as though your world has turned upside down and that things will never be good again. The strength of your feelings might be alarming and you may be tearful, feel restless, or have less motivation or energy to do things. Your appetite and sleep might also be disturbed. It is important to remember that with time and support most people get over relationship break- ups, sometimes feeling stronger than before.
Some things to remember Whatever you’re feeling now won’t last forever. It may take time before you feel you have ‘moved on’, but you will. Expect to have some good and bad days. If it was your decision to end the relationship it doesn’t necessarily make the break-up any easier to deal with. It’s still normal (and okay) to feel sad and to miss the other person. The end of a relationship doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you. Try not to take it personally - relationship break-ups are common. You don’t have to be in a relationship to feel happy. It’s better to not be in a relationship than to be in a bad one. It’s okay to feel angry or hurt, but be sure you are safe in how you express your feelings. Don’t act out your anger or do spiteful things. Don’t follow your ex around, call them all the time or harass them online. This sort of behaviour doesn’t make you feel better, perhaps worse. Try not to feel embarrassed or to worry about how the situation will look to others. Remember that break-ups can have a positive side. You can learn about yourself and what you want from future relationships. You can develop coping skills, become more independent, have more time to spend with friends and do the things that you enjoy.
Some things that might help you feel better Let yourself be upset – Dealing with your emotions will help you heal and feel better. Look after yourself – Try to eat healthy, keep sleeping and exercise routines. Be realistic when thinking about your ex and the relationship – It’s common to remember only the good things about the person and the relationship. Be honest with yourself – it’s rare for a relationship or a person to be perfect. Remembering the things that weren’t so great will make it easier to move on. Try to limit how much you think about your ex by finding things that will distract you. Think positively and try some new things. Give yourself some space – You don’t need to shut your ex out of your life but it might be helpful to try to avoid him/her for a while after the break-up. Keep busy – You might find yourself with more much free time, especially at weekends. Plan ahead and do things that you usually enjoy. Take time out for you – Do things that you find relaxing, like watching a movie, listening to music, or anything you enjoy doing. Treat yourself – Buy yourself a treat or do something that you really like. Talk to friends and family and others who can support you – It’s okay to want to be on your own but getting support can also be a big help. You can also get a different perspective by talking things through with others. Don’t use drugs or alcohol to deal with the pain – Alcohol and drugs might help you feel better at first but the after-effects will leave you feeling much worse. Give it time – Allow yourself some time to cope with the change. Breaking up with someone If you’re breaking up with someone, try to be considerate in ending the relationship. Think about how you would want to be treated in the same situation.
Try to end things in a way that respects the other person, but be honest. Clearly state that the relationship is over and why. Understand that the other person is likely to be hurt and perhaps angry about your decision. End the relationship face-to-face wherever possible, rather than by text, Facebook, or by email. When your ex moves on It can be especially hard when you find out that your ex has a new relationship. If this happens Try to avoid thinking about them being with someone else as it can be really painful. Don’t contact your ex or lash out at them for being in a new relationship. It won’t make you feel any better. If you are struggling with anger or jealousy you need to make sure you stay safe when dealing with these feelings. Talk to somebody about it and get some help if you need it.
Thinking about a new relationship?
Take all the time you need in beginning another relationship. Think about what you want in your next relationship but try to feel confident about being single for a while.
When should you get some help? Break-ups hurt but people usually get over them in time and without any serious problems. If you are struggling it is important to talk things through with someone like a friend or family member. Nescot student wellbeing is based in the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Hub. If you are struggling with your wellbeing please drop by and arrange to chat with one of the student wellbeing coaches. Alternatively, you can speak to your tutor who can refer you.
Useful helplines & websites Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 915 4644 Samaritans 116 123 (Freephone open 24/7) www.samaritans.org Childline 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk The Mix (under 25’s) 0808 808 4994 (Mon-Fri 4-11pm) www.themix.org.uk SHOUT 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime Text: 85258 www.giveusashout.org Support Line 01708 765200 www.supportline.org.uk SANE 0300 304 7000 4:30 to 10pm daily www.sane.org.uk RELATE www.relate.org.uk KOOTH Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people (11-19 years) www.kooth.com Health For Teens Everything you wanted to know about health www.healthforteens.co.uk/relationships
Student Wellbeing is based in the SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING HUB which is on the Ground Floor of the North Wing in Room N17 If you are struggling with your wellbeing please drop by and arrange to chat with one of the student wellbeing coaches. Alternatively, you can speak to your tutor who can refer you.
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