Could it Be Post Romantic Stress Disorder?

Could it Be Post Romantic Stress Disorder?
"I can't eat, I can't sleep, I stare at the cell phone hoping he will call. What's wrong with me?"

Why do break ups hit so hard and take so long to get over?

In the weeks and months following your break up, if you struggle to move on, you just might be experiencing Post Romantic Stress Disorder. Here are some signs:

1. Checking his Facebook updates to see who is posting on his wall.

2. Thinking about him night and day.

3. Picking at your appearance or your personality, blaming yourself for not being good enough to keep him.

4. Difficulty concentrating at work or school.
5. Isolating from family and friends.

I once broke up with a great guy (I used to say "HE broke up with me, but I turned that around once I finally got over him!). I definitely had Post Romantic Stress Syndrome. He "lived" in my mind. I was determined to move on (after he disappeared and I hadn't heard from him in months). I tried everything. Even though the relationship was very brief, I had fallen deeply into lust with him and couldn't shake myself out of it.

Eventually, after the sting went away, I created a scene in my mind where I was the one that broke it off with him. I created a dialog with him that went something like this:

Me: Hi T.

Him: (Moving closer on the couch)

Me: I want to tell you that I have really enjoyed our time together.

Him: (Sipping his beer)

Me: I want to also thank you for the fun we've had...it was great!

Him: (Looking at me now)

Me: I wish you the best of luck!

Him: But I like hanging out with you.....

Me: I know that but we aren't really a good fit and I am ready to move on.

Him: (Looking a bit stunned) Are you sure?

Me: Yep.....

Him: (Walks me to the door, hugs me warmly and watches as I walk away)

Me: (Refused to look back to see if he was looking. Walked away with my head high and a big smile on my face)

I replayed the scene MY WAY and adjusted the details over a couple of weeks. Amazingly, I was finally able to put him behind me. It may seem overly simplistic. But it worked. Finally.

Little did I realize all these years later that I would find a real live Neuroscientist to help me understand that this was not all in my MIND. What? Yes...it is true. Breaking up triggers a flood of shocking brain chemicals that can control your emotional well-being.

Catherine Behan