Yes, Going Through A Breakup Can Make You Physically Sick: Here's How To Recover

At the end of an important relationship in my life, I experienced symptoms that were very much the same as when I was dealing with the worst parts of the unidentified chronic illness that has been with me for more than 20 years: lack of energy, lack of self-confidence, depression, and increased anxiety. I was neglecting myself: I allowed myself to wallow in a feeling of inadequacy that made me skimp on self-care—I wasn’t exercising, and I was making lots of bad food choices.

As a result, my physical issues flared up. My limp was more pronounced, and my old symptoms of stiffness, spasticity in my legs, and pain increased. There was a sense of unworthiness, low self‑esteem, and a general malaise. I lost my zest for life; I was spending too much time and energy obsessing about my ex while also feeling sorry for and shaming myself.

Oh, and the best one: wondering whom she was being intimate with now that I was out of the picture. Every day, I felt as anxious as if I'd had a dozen cups of bad coffee and as heartbroken as if I'd just lost her again for the first time. And I was sure that the breakup was my fault: If I had done this or that differently, if I had been better somehow, I could have pleased her.

It’s not called a "broken heart" for nothing. Our bodies experience the excruciating emotional pain of a breakup much the way we experience physical pain. And there is evidence that inflammation, the source of most physical pain, is one culprit in lovesickness as well. Some in the medical and psychological community have been suggesting for years that Tylenol can ease a hurting heart.

According to Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, Ph.D., those in the throes of a breakup can experience inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome, both of which can hinder the body’s ability to fight illness. In addition to the loneliness and depression brought on by a breakup, people also experience poorer immune function due to the elevated stress hormones in your body. Think about this—your schedule for sleeping, exercise, eating, and more was in sync with your partner’s. So, when you split, it’s not uncommon to feel sick.

Most importantly, I knew I had to change my narrative. We are the writers of our own stories. You can’t control all the elements, but you can take charge of them, and changing the way you tell the story of a past love can help you avoid some of the behaviors you'd like to avoid in the future. After my painful breakup, I took a hard look at myself and my situation: I decided to accept that I felt that way for a reason and it was OK. On the other hand, though, I also acknowledged that I was creating that story and that I needed to take responsibility for my part, forgive any perceived hurts, and move on.

Sometimes you have to focus on those who make you feel best—even if it feels like loss or failure. My real story is and always was that I am confident and calm and that things always work out the way they should—but that doesn't mean it's always easy. Shifting my mindset required awareness, conscious effort, and choice. I had to choose a new story, and that story began with self-love.

Even though we can’t "unbreak our hearts" (no offense to Toni Braxton), we can take steps to ease the mental and physical anguish that comes from rejection by a loved one. Grieve for the loss, blame no one, and work on your mental and physical well-being.