Regardless of age, gender and sexual orientation, the highs and lows of any relationship can be tricky to navigate, especially intimate love relationships. Whilst break ups can be a part of the natural course of a relationship, it can be difficult to move on from, affecting not just a person’s mental health, but also their physical health. A breakup can trigger a variety of emotions, including anger, sadness, denial and disappointment. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and allow a period to grieve the loss of the relationship.

There are several strategies that can help you protect your mental health and cope with the emotions and grief. This can include:

1. Speaking about the breakup and even crying about it - this can be a form of emotional release that has a positive impact on a person. Ensuring a supportive environment around you, with supportive friends and family, is an important part of moving on. They can comfort, uplift and support you to reduce feelings of isolation and sadness.

2. Speaking to a therapist or counsellor can help you navigate the complex emotions of a breakup, without the fear of judgement and embarrassment that you might feel from a loved one. They can also teach you useful coping strategies and help you develop a plan to move forward, rebuilding your self-esteem and self-worth.

3. Focusing on self-care and a healthy routine will improve not just your mental health, but also your physical health. Examples of a healthy routine can include:

• Regular sleep of 7-9 hours

• A balanced diet with reduced refined sugars and less fatty foods

• Daily exercise including walking, running or group exercise classes such as yoga

• Journalling

• Breathing exercises or meditation

Another important way to protect your mental health after a breakup, especially if the breakup was not amicable, is to set boundaries with your ex-partner. Boundaries can include a break from all forms of communication with your ex-partner, both in-person and virtually. This temporary distance will help gain perspective and remove any emotional triggers that can prevent you from moving on.

It is also important to remember to pay attention to protecting your sexual health after an intimate relationship breakup! It can sometimes be tempting to move on to a new individual after a breakup, to seek comfort and validation in a new relationship. However, it is important to ensure you always practice safe sex, by using a barrier contraceptive method such as the condom, to not only prevent unplanned pregnancies, but also sexually transmitted infections. If you were sexually active in your previous relationship, testing for sexually transmitted infections (if appropriate) may be necessary before moving on to a new relationship. Meeting with a doctor or healthcare worker can help you understand your risk and if testing is required.

In conclusion, navigating a breakup can be complicated and requires you to be patient and kind to yourself. With a need to protect your mental and sexual health, it is vital that you seek help when needed. For both psychological and medical support, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka Centre for Family Health and the Alokaya Counselling Services can be contacted on 0112 555 455 or visit the Centre at 37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo-07. All services provided at the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka Centre for Family Health and the Alokaya Counselling Services are confidential and youth friendly.