How to Overcome a Heart Break

We all walked down that familiar road. From teenage years to adult life, the excitement of falling in love, the euphoria of going through a relationship, or the fantasy we had woven, as we visualize the same.

In movies and novels, love mostly play the winning hand. The whole narrative seems so smooth. Accidental meetings, both hearts click at a moments notice, and the bond becomes unified.

In life, it does happen, at times. However there is also the other side of the coin, which is not widely depicted.

1. One Sided or Unrequited Love – Strong obsession and attraction towards a person of desire, which is not returned in the same way.

2. Friction in Relationship – Lets face it, there is no hundred percent compatibility in any relationship. However through compromises and mutual understanding, most of these issues can be averted.But sometimes things would not go that smoothly and can lead to small frictions, which can escalate into break ups.

3. Cheating Cases – The feeling of having a cheating spouse or partner is more than enough, to cause a heart break. Add to it, jealousy, anger and resentment.Heart break is a feeling in which, a person goes through a period of low self esteem, depressive moods, anger, jealousy and even suicidal tendencies.

Modern medical journals states that, since the heart is enduring a lot of stress, there are remote chances that a heart attack can occur, during the same. Yes, you can die of a broken heart.

Remedial Methods and Coping Strategies

1. The most important and usually overlooked factor is keeping a constant reminder of your ex. After break up, we still keep track of their social media updates, profile status, photos and then fantasize with the same.Why is this counter productive? On one hand we are trying to forget a person, who has caused much harm psychologically and on the other, we relive their memories, through a fantasy created world. This makes the mind confused, and can lead to emotional mood swings.

End note. Remove all photos or reminders of your ex. Unfriend the person from your social account. Do not initiate a conversation or if called, close the conversation, as abruptly as possible. Don’t feel bad or guilty about being cruel, which is not the case. The person had caused you much harm and there is no need to go through, and relive the pain again.

2. Now after the first step, in a few weeks you will be able to feel a little relieved, from your heartache. But usually a void is created, when a person moves away from your life.To fill up the void is essential. Some would suggest going out, for a new relationship immediately, but I would strongly recommend against it. For one thing, you are recovering from a strong emotional pain and time is needed, to overcome the same.My suggestion would be to increase your social circle. I know it is tough, as after a heart break, we tend to isolate ourselves, from the world.

Start small. Talk to one or two of your very close friends. Tell them how you feel and also you can talk other subjects, of your choice. Then slowly widen the circle with more social activities, or get together.

3. When we feel attracted to a person, our brain creates a neuron pathway, which becomes embedded over time. When the person leaves, the brain continues to search for the same, in order to complete the connection.

This is why the brain keeps on projecting image and memories of the relationship. The key here is to retrain the brain, and divert its attention onto something, which is challenging as well as interesting.Take up an activity or a hobby, which you are really passionate about. It can range from blogging to painting or anything that you wanted to do, but kept aside for some reasons.

When we engage completely in an activity, our brain produces the feel good neurotransmitter Dopamine and Serotonin.This elevates our mood, providing a rush of happiness and increases self esteem.

4. Well, we heard it many times and more than a cliche, it really does work.Exercise is the quickest way, in which you feel relaxed, increased self esteem and reduced stress, with minimal efforts.You need not go through a detailed work out plan. A walk along nature’s side or a jog for a few minutes, is more than enough, to obtain the above effects.

5. If after all this, the symptoms still persist, consult a physician or a therapist, at the earliest.

Source: How to Overcome a Heart Break

Bipolar Disorder – Happy but Sad

Two Extremes

James felt at the moment a euphoric state with no explanation for the cause. He felt a spike in energy levels, and every task seemed easily conquerable. His focus was however, wavering and he did feel little restless. But still that didn’t seem as a concern. After all, he felt extremely excited, and that was more than enough.

Few hours later, James sank into a deep Depression. He felt isolated and his thoughts started getting disoriented. The world suddenly appeared in shades of grey, and the life ahead seemed hopeless. He contemplated suicide, as a way to end the nightmare.

The above scenario can seem confusing to us. It is completely strange that a person who, few moments before, in the peak of happiness suddenly drop down, into a negative spiral of thoughts. That too,without use of any drugs or mood enhancers.What James was experiencing can be coined in psychiatric terms, as Bipolar Disorder.

Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder is mainly characterized by two distinct phases. The affected person switches between these phases in rapid succession, usually in an hour or so.The First phase exhibits Hyper Activity

1. Intense sense of Euphoria.

2. Restlessness.

3. Difficulty concentrating.

4. Grandiose sense of self worth.

5. Racing thoughts.

6. Prone to taking extreme risks, like gambling or raised sexual activities, all which involves low consciousness level.

7. Less amount of sleep, or insomnia.

Then few moments later, the person switches to the next phase, which is the Depression Mode.

1. Feeling sad, unworthy and hopeless. Crying uncontrollably due to these triggers.

2. Low energy, disinterested in activities or the job at hand

3. Less to more sleep, due to fatigue.

4. Decrease or increase in appetite.

5. Irritability attitude which can cause friends and families to question the reason, behind the sudden change.

6. Contemplating Suicide thoughts.

Causes

Bipolar disorder can be caused by certain triggers which the person gets exposed to, at present or earlier in life.

They include, but not limited to

1. Tension at work place or home environment.

2. Seasonal changes can also cause mood swings.

3. Traumatic life experiences like a failed love affair, unfulfilled desires or a childhood experience.

How to Identify and Treatment Methods

Why is this disorder mostly hidden, compared to anxiety or depression? It is because the affected person do not realize, that he is indeed suffering from a psychotic ailment.

Taking the case of James, as mentioned earlier. He still believes what he is experiencing, might be just the ups and downs of life. He considers the mood swings, just a continuation of the same. However if left untreated, Bipolar Disorder can escalate to clinical depression or even suicide attempts.

One diagnostic option would be to keep a track of the mood swings.

Keep a journal noting down the time of the mood swings, what happens during the same, and what triggers it.

With this method, we have identify the hidden pattern through which we can ascertain, whether there is a presence of this disorder, or is it just anxiety or panic attack.

If any doubts left or getting the feeling of suicidal thoughts, immediately consult your local physician, or a psychiatrist.

Anti depressant medicines and proper counselling can help a long way, in the recovery phase.

Source: Bipolar Disorder – Happy but Sad

Love Addicts – Obsessive or Fantasy

When Love borders around Addiction and Infatuation

Indian Epic Parables

kurukshetra war fought between two princely clan, Pandavas and Kauravas, played a major role in defining ancient as well as modern India. Based on the Sanskrit scriptures, it marked the transition to Kaliyuga, the final phase of the world, by Indian Yuga cycle. The battle ground was kurukshetra, now a city in the state of Haryana, India. The war went on for a period of 18 days, bringing about much changes in its aftermath.

The duel was for the legitimate acquisition of a kingdom, which belonged to the Pandavas, but was now under the control of Kauravas. As negotiation talks failed over either side, the battle was a definite and unavoidable outcome.

Based on Vedic scriptures, many vows, revenge and even Mukthi or freedom, leading to enlightenment, occured during this transition phase. The kurukshetra war brings out lessons on how to sidestep pitfalls in life and ingrain success.

Fear none,  Compromise on none, on the Path to Destiny 

On the eve of battle, Arjuna, of the Pandava clan seeing the enormity of responsibility over him, shudders. With teary eyes, he refuses to budge or pick up his weapon. Sensing the dilemma , Krishna takes his Sudarshana Discus and  prepares instead, to lead the war.

Arjuna stops him in time, falling face down on the God’s feet. Krishna thus advise,” Arjuna is a Kshathriya (Warrior by nature) and it is his prime duty to avenge any form of injustice, through warfare above all means.”

Sometimes we also move away from the path of true calling, be it due to external influences or pressing circumstances. As mere mortals, we like Arjuna would surely get dejected and lower our destiny bow. However as Krishna states, we are all born to fulfill our inner self and bring out the true potential, when the situation demands it.

Crookedness and Patience , combination traits to beware

Shakuni, the maternal uncle of Duryodhana  was the principle driving force behind the kurukshetra war. Shakuni secretly harbored untold grudges against the kauravas. One of them, his only sister Gandhari  getting married to the blind king, Dhritarashtra.

But since the opponents were too powerful and mighty to avenge directly, Shakuni switched to a new tactic. He slowly befriended his nephew Duryodhana, and started creating a rift between the karuavas and Pandavas. With deadly tools like jealousy, anger and lust, he was able to increase this gap, leading to war and eventually, demise of the kauravas.

The hard morale, beware of crookedness and patience in the guise of friendship, as they can break down even the most fortified foe.

Falling back Necessitate as Strategy to Success

Karna, considered the offspring of God Surya (Sun), had an invisible protective shield surrounding him, known as kavacha and kundala.  With this force by his side, he would be victorious against all enemies and a perfect ally to Kauravas.

Knowing about this, God Indira disguised as a Sage, asked Karna to donate this immense power. Karna though fully aware of the trickery, parted with the kavacha and kundala. Indira moved by the selfless act, granted the weapon, Vasava Shakti or Indra Astra, to karna.

Krishna knew that if this weapon was ever used against Arjuna, a counter attack would not be possible. So Arjuna was skillfully moved back and instead Ghatotkacha, a half demon half man being was brought in to the fight. Ghatotkacha was a skilled sorcerer, who could change his size as well as appear invincible for a long period. Knowing there was no other way, Karna used Indra Astra and killed the being in no time. But now the weapon had been used, he was back again to square one, and Arjuna resumed battle. This eventually lead to Karna being killed, when his chariot got stuck in the mud.

Truth can only be experienced, not theorized

This brings us to yet another great warrior of the kaurava army. Known as one among the Maharathis, Drona was a skillful warrior and brilliant strategist. His mastery over archery was so profound, that it was believed no one could kill, let alone injure, when the the bow and arrow was in his hands.

This made him a truly strong adversary to the Pandavas. The task of annihilating Guru Drona fell upon the hands of Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas.

In the midst of battle, an elephant bearing the name of Drona’s son, was killed and Yudhishthira called out “Ashwathama is dead.”

Hearing these words, without even checking the validity of the statement, and a strong belief that Yudhishthra never lied, Drona lowered his weapon and sat in grief. Seeing this opportunity, another warrior named Dhrishtadyumna moved in to the kill and beheaded Drona.

Always verify an incident and take all other opinions however great the person maybe, at face value.

When emotions go haywire

Recently I came across a colleague of mine, who had worked with me couple of  years back. For anonymity, I would call him Mark. Mark had been a role model employee, who was considered by his seniors, as both hardworking ,dependable and reliable. It seemed with these traits, he was destined to climb the corporate ladder and assume a managerial position, in no time.

However Mark did have an overlooked flaw, which was short spells of anger. At times, Mark would lash out harshly and vehemently. This did put small strains in his  social circles. But since the outbursts didn’t last long, it raised no caution flags and the matter was quietly overlooked.

As I met him now, it was not in the ideal settings of a manager’s office. If given an option, it was in a place many would avoid. Mark was in a packed courtroom, awaiting trial for multiple charges of assaults.

His minor spells of anger seemed to have escalated to a new high, where the person everyone once knew  had become a shadow of the former self. Now the person in front of me, was depicted as a homicidal maniac. His career as well as family life, collapsed within a short  frame of time.

Can a minor emotional flaw, impact a person to such a level, bringing about changes not only psychologically, but physically as well.

Lets ascertain the facts, to check the validity of the above statement.  Recent cases of anger has indeed been scientifically related to primary depression. Even though depression symptoms might vary from sadness, to low energy and sleeplessness, anger can at times play a silent factor.

Traumatic childhood experiences, abusive parents or recent tragedies can leave a large emotional gap, which can over time build up in one’s psyche. A person experiencing an outburst of anger, would have his judgement clouded with high mental spikes. At that instant, there would be no logical thinking patterns and also high level of stress hormones flooding the body. The various acts performed by the individual during this period, would be totally different from the personality projected, by the same.

But are emotions like anger, really needed or is it a glitch imprinted into human beings.

Emotions at times, do help us in an unpredictable situation (fight or flight response produced by adrenaline), having empathy and consideration to a friend’s plight ( absence of which can result in having psychopathic nature ) or even when avoiding past mistakes, which is projected by emotional fear.

For example, as described earlier, when we face a life threatening situation, our body prepares itself for the fight or flight response.  At that point, chemical messengers such as adrenaline enters the body system, which increases heart beat and breathing rate. The pupils of the eye dilate resulting in tunnel vision, and body muscles tighten in response. The brain then interprets these sudden changes, and assess the gravity of the situation as immediate priority, to be dealt with.

There are number of theories which explain the origin and causes of emotions, such as James  Lange , Cannon Bard and Schacter-Singer models. They do describe that emotions brings about both physical and psychological changes in an individual, which are necessities, to differentiate ourselves as humans.

So the merits of emotions are indeed there. However a normal human mind is fragile, by nature and any emotional contents, in excess can tip the balance to either sides.

Picture Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

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