A 2015 study by Binghamton University (US) surveyed over 5,000 individuals about the physical and emotional impact after a relationship ended. The findings indicated that women initially experienced more distress but recovered faster. Conversely, men often endured a prolonged sense of loss.
Analysts stated that men perceive a significant loss when they must restart to find a new partner. William Meleney, a marriage and family therapist in the US, identified men's greatest barrier as silence, which often leads to ineffective coping strategies.
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Below are four common behaviors observed in men after a breakup:
Excessive Sleep
Many men choose to sleep excessively after a relationship ends. Psychologists refer to this as a state of "hibernation," an attempt to escape reality. However, this habit delays the emotional processing necessary for healing.
Burying Themselves in Games
Video games offer a structured world, a sense of order they may have lost in real life. Within virtual spaces, they can restart at a checkpoint, providing a feeling of control over objectives without directly confronting emotional issues.
Seeking a Replacement Early
A desire for quick solutions often leads men to seek a new relationship immediately. Doctor Tarra Bates-Duford, a family counselor in the US, cautions that rushing into a new partnership might temporarily suppress negative emotions, but unresolved issues will eventually resurface.
Self-Isolation
According to therapist William Meleney, male friendships are often built around shared activities like sports or work, rather than emotional intimacy. When facing problems, men may not know how to articulate their feelings, opting instead to withdraw. This silence fosters loneliness and negatively impacts mental health.
Experts recommend that men acknowledge their struggles to begin the healing process. Instead of remaining silent, they should openly discuss their feelings with friends or seek support from mental health professionals.
Minh Nhat (Source: Yourtango)
