Heartbreak doesn’t just feel like withdrawal. It is withdrawal.
In this short, powerful replay, psychologist and author Guy Winch explains why breakups hurt so much and why trying to “stay friends” with your ex might be sabotaging your recovery.
He breaks down the neuroscience of heartbreak, compares it to addiction, and shares why going cold turkey - unfollowing, muting, and cutting contact - isn’t dramatic. It’s necessary.
You’ll hear:
Why heartbreak activates the same brain regions as physical pain
The science behind why you’re obsessively thinking about your ex
How heartbreak mimics the brain patterns of drug withdrawal
Why unfollowing your ex is a psychological intervention, not a petty move
What to do instead of re-reading old messages or checking their feed
This is a must-listen if you, or someone you love, can’t stop going back to the ghost of a relationship.
Resources & Mentions:
Guy Winch’s TED Talk: How to Fix a Broken Heart, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0GQSJrpVhM&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD
Book: How to Fix a Broken Heart, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fix-Broken-Heart-Books/dp/1501120123
Podcast: Dear Therapists, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-therapists-with-lori-gottlieb-and-guy-winch/id1523340696
Website: guywinch.com