Why heartbreak hurts so badWhy heartbreak hurts so bad
All In The Mind
If you’re lucky enough to have fallen in love at some point in your life, you’ve probably also had your heart broken. The experience can be excruciating, protracted, disorienting … but can it cause you lasting psychological – even physical – harm?
29:44•26 Mar 2022
Heartbreak's Toll: The Physical and Mental Impact of Love Lost
“Heartbreak is one of the hidden landmines of human existence, because it can really really affect our health.”
Ever wondered why a broken heart can feel like physical pain? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', author Florence Williams dives into the science behind the agony of heartbreak. She explains how the brain's response to emotional pain mirrors its reaction to physical injury, making heartbreak one of life's most distressing experiences. But it doesn't stop there. Williams reveals that heartbreak can even alter gene expression and increase susceptibility to illness and early death.
Divorcees, for example, are statistically more likely to face an early demise. This episode isn't just about the gloom, though. Williams also shares practical tips for coping, like immersing yourself in nature and finding beauty in the everyday. Whether you're nursing a fresh wound or still healing from an old one, this episode offers valuable insights into why heartbreak hurts so much and how you can start to mend.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.