Takostubo "The Broken Heart Syndrome"

In life, human beings go through difficult challenges. One of these that is too little considered is a breakup. Regardless of age, whether you initiate it or are experiencing it yourself, this universal experience is very real, and no one benefits from a specific preparation beforehand.

Breakup symptoms are most often characterized by emotional distress and/or intense physical pain. In Japanese, this is called Takotsubo: "stress cardiomyopathy" or "broken heart syndrome." Cardiomyopathy is caused by sudden weakness of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber.

Chronically, the main symptoms of a broken heart include chest pain, a feeling of suffocation, vomiting, or fainting spells (a sudden heart attack with a brief loss of consciousness). All these symptoms indicate the suffering in the heart and the inability to cope with the situation. Being disconnected from your loved one leaves you in uncharted waters, drained, disoriented, confused, and lost, desperately seeking a lifeline.

The mind also plays a major role in Takotsubo. Ideas can become blurred, leading to false hopes. The endless repetition of memories of the relationship, moments of complicity, but also the non-stop replaying of the episodes of disagreement over who was right or wrong generates frustration and sometimes even anger. Moving on and moving forward becomes an obstacle course because, trapped in a vicious cycle, the escape route becomes almost impossible to find.

The themes and emotions that most often emerge during this painful experience are deep sadness, anger at oneself or the person who is the cause of the discomfort, sleep disturbances and physical, mental and emotional fatigue. Childhood traumas can also resurface when the heart is broken, such as abandonment, emotional dependence, rejection, betrayal, injustice or humiliation. All of this leads to a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem.

Introspection, forgiveness, and mourning are then necessary to overcome this ordeal. Forgive yourself first to find inner peace because romantic relationships are sometimes complex. Become aware with wisdom and humility that you did what you could with the means and knowledge you had. Grieving the relationship allows you to move on and move forward, without regret, in serenity towards new adventures.

With sophrology and/or hypnosis support, it's possible to learn to accept the pain of a breakup rather than ignoring it and delaying the healing process. It's a simple process that involves observing the emotion, accepting it, releasing it, and transforming it into something positive, innovative, and creative.

Breathing exercises and positive visualization in sophrology, as well as hypnotic scenarios, will help you release sadness, pain, or even low self-esteem. These therapeutic tools will also teach you how to manage the urge to reread or listen to messages, look at photos or videos, because this would only trigger "phantom" happiness hormones that no longer exist. Moreover, the result would be counterproductive because it would intensify the pain already deeply felt.

The different ways to free yourself from Takotsubo are to come back to yourself by taking care of yourself, by reconnecting with activities that give you feelings of well-being to enter a positive virtuous circle. Exit the followers of: "I told you it wouldn't work with...". On the other hand, create a "safe space" surrounded by caring people who will allow you to express your feelings with an open heart by helping you to regain control at your own pace and come out of isolation to avoid sinking into depression. And finally, consider your current suffering as a transient situation because whether you believe it or not, this too shall pass. Nothing lasts, everything is temporary.

Much later... you will be able to realize that this breakup was perhaps, ultimately, a precious gift because it will have taught you a lot about yourself, especially about your values ​​such as courage or resilience for example. For some people, it is the right time to change direction, get out of your comfort zone, travel, change jobs, start training, move or even change your wardrobe and your haircut! Quite simply, it will have allowed you to change your life. There is always a light of hope at the end of the tunnel. The important thing is to move forward step by step, one day after the other in kindness, gentleness, non-judgment and unconditional love for yourself.

You are the most important person in your life, don't forget that. Take your well-being seriously, and it's non-negotiable!

***If you are currently experiencing a painful breakup, complementary treatment with sophrology and/or hypnosis with a psychologist and/or psychiatrist would be beneficial.

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