Can you mend a broken heart? Many of us remember the Bee Gees song which told us of the impossibility of doing so. But is there really such a thing as a broken heart?
According to the American Heart Association, there is. In a local interview with a California news station yesterday, Dr. Leon Feldman, prominent cardiologist at Eisenhower Desert Cardiology Center, says that broken heart syndrome is real. “People present like they’re having a heart attack with chest pain, or heart rhythm troubles or difficulty breathing”. He goes on to say, “after testing, however, we learn that there are no blockages of the arteries but rather an enlarged heart, which, with supportive care and medication will heal in time”.
As we have come to learn more about our mind/body connection, we understand the impact that an emotional trauma can have on us and how it can trigger physical symptoms of distress. Our minds can affect how healthy our bodies are! Each mental state has a physiology associated with it, which positive or negative effects are felt in the body. Therefore if we become more conscious of our mental states, we can use awareness to guide us to a better, more positive sense of well being.
In other words, once we realize that what we feel is more emotional than physical (not a heart attack, but an emotionally bruised heart), we can utilize strategies to reduce stress and the physical symptoms it produces.
The loss of love is a painful, emotional trauma. It will take time to feel like your heart is whole again. Here are some steps you can take to heal:
Acknowledge your feelings. The pain you feel is normal and real. Allow yourself time to feel sad.
Try to get back to your routine. Work, regular exercise and proper nutrition will help your body and your mind heal.
Don’t isolate. Engage in activities with friends, family and co-workers. A pet perhaps?
Breathe! Simple breathing exercises slow your heart rate, relax your body and focus your mind.
Use music, meditation, reading or nature walks to feel connection.
Seek professional help. If you have trouble with activities of daily living, for example, you can’t get out of bed, have endless crying spells and are having trouble fulfilling responsibilities, perhaps you should consider talking to someone. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Know that your heart will heal in time and you will feel love again not just on Valentine’s Day but everyday.