Breaking up STINKS!  It’s hard even under the best of circumstances.  After a breakup, people often describe feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.  The Centers for Disease Control reports that after breakups people are also more likely to become suicidal.  We know that feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and burdensomeness are related to suicidal thoughts.  After a breakup, it’s pretty normal to feel many of those emotions, which is why breakups can become a trigger for suicide.  

Thoughts of suicide post-breakup are especially common when the individual lacks other meaningful relationships.  The end of the relationship may disconnect someone from the only person they felt like they could confide in.  What are they supposed to do now?  Generally speaking, men are less likely to have as many strong emotional connections as women.  Men are also more likely to use a highly lethal means when attempting suicide.  For more on this check out this week’s blog, “Does Gender Have Anything to Do with Suicide Post-Breakup?”