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Your Brain After A Breakup: The Neuroscience of Why You Can't Just Get Over It

Okay, Now What? - With Kate Gladdin

Release Date: 05/15/2025

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More Episodes

Ever been through a breakup that didn’t just hurt emotionally—but physically?
Like your chest was caving in or your stomach was in knots? You're not crazy. In fact, there's actual science behind that soul crushing pain.

In this episode, we dive deep into what's actually happening in your brain and body when your heart gets broken—and why breakup grief might actually be harder to heal from than grief after death.

If you've ever felt like you were "crazy" for not being able to "just get over it," this episode is for you. We'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind heartbreak and give you the validation (and hope) you need to keep moving forward.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why your brain treats heartbreak like a literal drug withdrawal
  • The science behind why breakups activate the same pain centers as physical injuries
  • How the stress hormone cortisol wreaks havoc on your sleep, appetite, and immune system
  • Why your brain gets stuck in rumination mode after a breakup
  • The unique challenge of grieving someone who's still alive (and why it's harder than you think)
  • How social media makes everything worse—and what to do about it
  • The incredible power of neuroplasticity and how your brain can actually heal itself
  • Practical strategies for working WITH your brain, not against it

If you're listening to this in the thick of heartbreak right now, please know: what you're feeling is valid, it's normal, and it WILL get better. Your brain is doing exactly what millions of years of evolution programmed it to do. Be patient with yourself. You're not broken—you're human. ❤️

And - you don't have to figure it all out alone.

If you're ready for real support (not fluff), I’m here to help you make sense of the pain, rebuild your confidence, and gently take your power back—one choice, one breath, one brave step at a time. Book a free 30-minute coaching consult with me here: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching