Post Breakup Blues or Adjustment Disorder? Know The Signs

Alexa, play ‘Agar tum saath ho’ by Alka Yagnik & Arjit Singh OR

‘Someone Like You’ by Adele… again.

Introduction

Have you noticed yourself eating lots of ice cream straight from the tub or eating a lot of chocolates? Are you also re-reading old text messages like they’re ancient scrolls, and contemplating texting your ex at 2 a.m. (even if there's an immense urge, please don’t), Your playlist is full of breakup songs these days? If this sounds familiar, congratulations—you’re officially starring in your post-breakup rom-com, minus the feel-good ending, at least for now. Breakups can be brutal, leaving you sometimes with a lot of mixed feelings, most often referred to as breakup depression, whether you saw it coming or got blindsided like a plot twist in a bad soap opera, the emotional whiplash is real. But what if it’s not just classic heartbreak? What if your sadness feels too heavy, too constant, and refuses to pack up and go? IS this a warning of emotional trauma after a breakup or signs of post-breakup anxiety?

The Reality

Welcome to the blurry line between breakup blues and adjustment disorder—and trust me, it’s more common than you think. Breakups are painful, and breakup depression is real. The emotional trauma that one experiences after a breakup is real. Irrespective of the fact that you initiated it or were on the receiving end, the emotional fallout can feel overwhelming. But at what point does typical heartbreak turn into something more serious, like breakup depression or adjustment disorder? In this blog, we’ll explore how to recognize when post-breakup sadness becomes a mental health concern and how to take the first step toward healing.

Loss of any relationship brings a lot of emotions that we feel were never there. The emotional trauma post-breakup can lead one to carry a lot of emotional baggage. Post-breakup depression may often have feelings that may be sadness and yearning, anger and guilt, or a range of other emotions. Everyone takes their own time to process these feelings. At times, the pain becomes unbearable. Breakup grief invokes a range of feelings from deep sadness to anger. The process of adapting to a significant loss can vary for each individual, and not everyone may go through all the stages or in a similar order. Each person may have a different timeline to grieve, and it is completely okay. For some people, this grieving process might involve talking about the relationship or crying their heart out. For some, it may look like going completely numb and withdrawn, avoiding talking about it at all. Post-breakup depression, it’s common to go through a rollercoaster of emotions or experience post-breakup anxiety. Often, you may notice that the emotional trauma post-breakup may look like :

• Have crying spells
• Struggle to eat or sleep
• Ruminate on relationship memories
• Isolate from friends and family
• Loss of interest and motivation in things that were enjoyed once.

These symptoms are not only normal but usually ease up over time, typically within a few weeks to a couple of months. Over time, they gradually improve. So, one may wonder, what is the difference between a typical post-breakup depression and signs of adjustment disorder? In some cases, the emotional response to a breakup becomes overwhelming and prolonged. This could be a sign of Adjustment Disorder—a mental health condition triggered by a major life change or stressor, like the end of a relationship.

Signs of Adjustment Disorder may Include:

• Intense sadness or anxiety that feels disproportionate to the breakup
• Difficulty functioning at work, school, or socially
• Panic attacks or feelings of being completely overwhelmed
• Withdrawal from activities and relationships
• Ongoing hopelessness or despair
• In severe cases, Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors

Unlike normal post-breakup depression, these symptoms exist for more period of time. The major distinction between signs of post-breakup depression and signs of adjustment disorder is duration, frequency, and intensity. If the emotional struggles persist beyond three months or if they’re impairing your ability to function, it may be time to seek help.

Amidst all of this, it is natural to feel, what may help? Whether you’re going through normal post-breakup sadness or experiencing signs of adjustment disorder, one thing is true: Healing is not linear, and it takes time. It’s okay to experience feelings of loss, anger, or confusion. What’s important is identifying the red flags of your emotional well-being and taking steps to cope with breakup depression.

Here Are A Few Strategies That Can Help:-

Talk about it –

Try to talk about it with friends, family members, and helplines. The best thing space would do is to reach out to a counsellor or therapist near you and talk about it. This will help you dive deep into the core concerns, and you won’t have to do it alone.

Keep a routine –

Experiencing adjustment concerns post-breakup might often hamper one’s sense of routines, leaving them in a state of confusion. Thus, a structure can help bring a sense of normalcy and make the person feel have a sense of control and cope better with breakup depression.

Exercise –

We often underestimate the power of exercise and any form of physical movement. Even though the mind and body are considered separate entities, they are connected and interdependent. Movement supports mental health and reduces anxiety.

Limit contact with your ex -

It is often said that you cannot grow in the same environment where you have felt hurt. Thus, stop going back to your ex. Hold on to the urge to text them, stalking their profile, as it may invoke a myriad of feelings. Give yourself space to heal.

Journaling –

Instead, maintain a journal – online or offline. One may often have the immense urge to reach out to them, pen down your thoughts in your chat or a journal. This helps to let out those feelings and thoughts that may seem to be overpowering, and it makes one feel a little settled.

Avoid Unhealthy Coping –

Movies have romanticised the consumption of drugs, alcohol, or engaging in risky behaviour. One may feel that this is a form of coping with breakup depression. What we fail to understand is that it can worsen the situation. It can delay the healing process.

Practice self-compassion –

Post break-up, a lot of people struggle with their self-worth. They start doubting themselves, their potential, their quest to find love again, and the general concept of love. Don’t judge yourself for struggling.

Conclusion-

Heartbreak doesn’t have a timeline, and one should know that healing might not look the same for everyone. Whether you’re gulped in the grief waves or experiencing post-breakup depression or anxiety, be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to feel hurt, and it’s okay to seek help. Seeking help is an act of courage. Reaching out to a trusted therapist near you can offer you the support, tools, and perspective required for the healing process. If reaching out to a therapist in person feels overwhelming, reach out to a counsellor over the helpline. Mpower offers 24/7 helpline support as well as trained therapists to offer support and guidance in this post-breakup depression journey. What feels like an ending right now can also be the beginning of a stronger, more self-aware version of you. Healing is possible — and the best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. One can eventually learn to embrace life’s ups and downs. So let’s celebrate self-love, presence, and the beauty of moving forward with –

Alexa, play “Love you Zindagiiii, Love you Zindagii!”