8 Tips for Surviving a Breakup When You Have Depression

Breakups are rough for anyone, but especially for people who live with mental health conditions. A breakup is already a tough hardship, but with depression it can become that much worse. Clinical depression is a whole different demon when romantic related grief swipes right. 

We asked The Mighty’s community what advice they had for navigating a breakup when you live with depression. Here’s what they had to say:

Still do your best to take care of yourself.

“Get enough rest. Self-care is important.” – Lisa S.

“When depressed and in the midst of tough things, I make sure all my meds are current and filled for three months worth. Not having to deal with running out is a blessing. I also have a routine for taking them.” – @Gidgette 

Don’t isolate yourself, but be smart with the company you keep.

“Focus on yourself. Go out with friends, invite friends over to your place for lunch or dinner or the coffee shop.” – @Wanitaworks

“Make sure that you are not isolating yourself and if possible talk about your feelings with friends and family. Give yourself time to grieve.” – @Lauracort 

“Try not to rebound with another relationship. You need to heal and ‘sit’ with your emotions.” – @Lotusflower21

It’s OK to grieve.

“I don’t think we should minimize the pain that such a break up can generate. It most certainly can be a grief journey just like having someone die. Give yourself permission to grieve and be gentle with yourself while you journey through the grief.” – @Ozrick333    

“The death of a relationship can be as devastating as the death of a person you love. Take whatever time you need to deal with it. For some people living with depression, that could be a few weeks, a few months, or in my case – in the midst of and after my divorce from my first husband – several years.” -D.K Hodges Hull

“Take as long as you want/need during a breakup! Breakups are like someone dying…it’s extremely devastating and painful. When you are depressed it makes it that much worse. Allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness. Embrace it. Talk through it. Don’t try to hide it or push it away.” – @Lora_e_seg

What advice or tips would you give for going through a breakup with depression? Share your answer with us here.