The losses that occur can cause us suffering and anguish. After a separation, it is possible that a feeling of emptiness persists that is difficult to cope with due to the importance that that person has had for us. Emotions play a fundamental role in our personality and have a direct relationship with the way we connect with other people.
Despite all this, the truth is that these periods after a breakup can generate various consequences that manifest themselves in our daily lives. Having concrete and relevant data regarding this problem can provide us with tools that are useful to us. Do you want to know more about this? In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about What is emotional withdrawal syndrome and how to overcome it.
What is emotional withdrawal syndrome
When referring to emotional withdrawal syndrome or heartbreak syndrome, we refer to the stage after the end of a romantic relationship with a couple.
Furthermore, this period has the quality of being marked by a feeling of emotional emptiness since the person has stopped experiencing the emotions that are linked to love. Due to these circumstances, the loss can cause anguish, anxiety, depression, among others.
Phases of emotional withdrawal syndrome
emotional withdrawal syndrome It is not a linear period, but it has some phases that characterize it. It is important to take into account the particularities of each of them in order to know what process the person is in. The phases of emotional withdrawal syndrome are:
- Denial: When a love relationship ends, the first reaction is to deny that the breakup has occurred. Denial is a way of continuing the bond even though it does not exist in reality.
- Gonna: once the person assumed that the separation has been finalized, the emotion of anger arises. In other words, this lies in the fact that the situation produces anger because of the difficulty of accepting the loss.
- Negotiation: Fantasies about circumstances changing prevail here. At this stage, questions appear linked to hypothetical scenarios of the love relationship if the breakup had not occurred.
- Depression: When the person becomes aware that the relationship will no longer be restored, a feeling of emptiness and sadness arises. It is worth mentioning that this phase is temporary since it does not correspond to depression as a mental illness.
- Acceptance: after having gone through the feelings that the depression phase implies, the person can finally accept that their life can pass without the presence of the emotions that were at play in the love bond. When this phase arrives, it is possible to recover the sensations prior to the separation.
Symptoms of emotional withdrawal syndrome
This problem is represented by a series of manifestations that They arise on a physical, emotional and behavioral level.. The importance of knowing the manifestations lies in being able to develop appropriate strategies when addressing this problem. The symptoms of emotional withdrawal syndrome are as follows:
- Distress.
- Anxiety.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Loss of appetite.
- Social isolation.
- Sadness.
- Concentration and memory problems.
- Need to contact the loved one.
- Catastrophic thoughts about life.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Headache.
- Elevation of blood presure.
It is important to note that the presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily imply that we are facing emotional withdrawal syndrome or heartbreak syndrome. Must be go to a professional to obtain a diagnosis that evaluates the characteristics of the patient taking into account their particularities.
How long does emotional withdrawal last?
The duration of the emotional withdrawal syndrome will depend on several factors such as age, sex, the intensity of the bond, the duration of the relationship and the resources that the person has to face the feeling of emptiness that the loss implies.
However, it could be said that the time average oscillates between six months and a year and a half. If symptoms persist for a longer period of time, it is important to see a mental health professional.
How to overcome emotional withdrawal syndrome
Despite the complications that this problem entails, there are some ways to overcome it. In these lines, we will explain how to overcome emotional withdrawal syndrome:
Psychological therapy
Therapy can help you cope with heartbreak syndrome in a more pleasant way. In general, psychological therapy works with the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that cause the symptoms in people who suffer from emotional withdrawal syndrome.
In these cases, both short-term therapies and long-term therapies such as produce beneficial effects for life.
Identification of symptoms
Recognition of symptoms is an important aspect of this clinical picture since it produces relief. Furthermore, knowing that the symptoms of emotional withdrawal syndrome are temporary can help you overcome heartbreak syndrome.
Strengths development
Emphasizing the person’s abilities allows for strengthening self-esteem. In this way, it is possible that the symptoms of emotional withdrawal syndrome decrease and/or disappear. To help you at this point, we recommend reading our article.
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This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Izquierdo Martínez, SA, Gómez-Acosta, A. (2013). Affective dependence: approach from a contextual perspective. Psychology. Advances in the Discipline, 7 (1), 81-91.
- Kübler-Ross, E., Kessler, D. (2005). About grief and sorrow. Barcelona: Firefly.