Serious changes in eating or sleeping habits Fatigue Often feeling worthless, empty, or hopeless Unbearable, relentless emotional pain Irritability Difficulty focusing or making decisions Failure to clean your living space and manage basic hygiene Thinking about death, or hurting yourself

Try writing down basic feelings, like “I felt hopeless all morning” or “I tried to have fun but was mostly listless and tired. " You don’t have to be very detailed if it’s too upsetting. Try writing down what you did, like “I watched movies all evening and cried a lot” or “I stayed in bed for 3 hours in the morning because I had no energy. "

You haven’t improved at all within 2-3 weeks You can’t work or take care of yourself or your family You think that you might hurt yourself

The brain can get sick just like other body parts can. There’s nothing “wrong” with you if you have depression, or if you take medication to help fix it.

Call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to get help. If you’d be more comfortable messaging someone, connect with a trained crisis counselor by texting the Crisis Text line at 741741 in the US. If you’re in Canada, the number is 686868, and in the UK the number is 85258.

Some people believe that the recovery from a breakup takes about half the time that the relationship lasted. For example, if your relationship lasted 6 months, then you may need 3 months to fully recover. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so you may take a little longer or shorter than this.

Try labeling your feelings if they’re overwhelming. Are you feeling insecure? Worried about the future? Lost?

Don’t throw it all away. You may regret that later. If you think you might be tempted to revisit the box too soon, try putting a notice on it, like “do not open until April. "

Exercise[6] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019. Express yourself using the arts: painting, making music, drawing, writing, etc. Cry Imagine yourself dramatically telling your story on a talk show Write in a journal Rip or cut up paper from the recycling bin Scream into a pillow and hit the bed Smash ice cubes in the bath tub

Has there ever been anything you wanted to try when you were younger, but you couldn’t? Try doing it now!

Calling a friend[8] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019. Taking a warm shower Playing with your pet Drinking hot chocolate Getting a hug Doing something else that feels right at the moment

You may need to function at a sub-optimal level for some time. This is okay. [9] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source

If food prep is hard, try eating a healthy no-prep snack, like an apple or string cheese. You can even keep a non-perishable snack (like a jar of nuts) at your desk. Do mini exercises, like leg lifts while watching TV, or lifting a five-pound weight while lying in bed.

Try to brush your teeth at least once a day. Even a cursory brush, without toothpaste, is better than nothing. You can also scrape your teeth with a washcloth to help remove buildup. Try to shower at least every other day. Use baby wipes to wipe areas that tend to get sweaty, like your armpits and the zone under your bra. Apply deodorant. If you’re too tired to get dressed, at least change your pajamas and your underwear every day. You can also put on an old t-shirt and sweatpants if you’re feeling well enough.

“I’m exhausted, and having a hard time cleaning my house. Would you please come over and help me? I’ve got root beer and vanilla ice cream, so I could pay you with a root beer float afterwards. " “I know that I’ve been a mess lately, and that I’ve been forgetting to shower. I’m sure you don’t want a smelly roommate. Would you give me a push if I’m turning stinky?” “This breakup really has me devastated, and I’m struggling to stay on top of chores. Would you be willing to be my laundry buddy, and do laundry with me?” “Dad, I’ve been too tired to cook for myself lately. Is there any chance I could come over for a healthy dinner sometime?”

Tell your loved ones what you’re going through. It’s okay to say “I had a rough breakup and I could really use a friend right now. "

Try to spend at least half an hour every day on quality time with your loved ones.

“I’m feeling tired today. " “Right now, I just want to do something easy, like watching a movie together. " “I’m exhausted. Could we talk in the morning?” “I’m feeling better today. I think it would be fun to go out. Are you in the mood for that?” “I feel kinda shaky and nervous. " “I don’t have the energy to go out. Does staying in and hanging out sound OK to you?”

“I could really use a distraction today. Wanna go do something fun?” “I just need someone to listen and be there for me right now. " “I’m not ready to meet cute guys yet. I’m still not over him, and I need time to process. I’ll let you know when I want you to point out hotties for me. " “I need a hug. " “I’m tempted to text her. Can you hang out with me, and help me not do that?” “I’m feeling lonely, and I could use some company. Anything from taking a walk and talking to watching TV together would be really nice. "