There’s no doubt that breakups are difficult to endure; what’s perhaps even more complicated are friendship breakups. Not only is it weird to cut ties with a platonic cohort, but it is equally as weird, if not more, to get over it. The breaking of a deep and meaningful bond can result in a whirlwind of emotions, leaving us feeling lonely, disillusioned, and uncertain.
However, it’s essential to remember that like all life’s adversities, this too can be overcome. There are plenty of insights and strategies to help you cope with a friendship breakup; it is possible to heal your heart and move forward positively. In some cases, teen anxiety treatment, or other specialized young adult programs like our rehab for teenage depression can be highly beneficial.
Why Do Friendship Breakups Happen?
Friendship breakups often occur due to a variety of factors. One common cause is a mismatch in values or life stages, which can create a sense of distance or misunderstanding. Disagreements or conflicts that aren’t effectively resolved can also strain a friendship to the point of breaking. Additionally, some friendships fade over time as people’s interests and circumstances change, causing them to drift apart. It’s important to remember that, like any relationship, friendships require effort, understanding, and mutual respect to survive and endure.
At a young age, friendships can be vulnerable to external influences. People outside the friendship, intentionally or unintentionally, can often drive a wedge between friends. This may be through spreading rumors, causing misunderstandings, or emphasizing differences and conflicts. Young people may not have the emotional maturity to navigate these challenges effectively, which can result in friendships being strained or broken.
The roles of parents, teachers, and mentors are vital in these situations; they help to guide young people on how to handle such scenarios and to foster understanding, compassion, and resilience.
Steps to Take to Get Over a Friendship Breakup
There are ways to get over a friendship breakup. Some of these include the following:
- Acknowledge Your Emotions
- Seek Support
- Give Yourself Time
- Practice Self-Care
- Evaluate the Friendship
- Move Forward
Experiencing a friendship breakup can elicit a range of emotions, all of which are perfectly valid. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss, sadness, and even anger as you process the end of a close bond. Remember, it’s okay to grieve the loss of this relationship just as you would any other. Give yourself the permission to feel, to mourn, and to heal. It’s in acknowledging these emotions that we can move forward, learning and growing from the experience.
It’s important to recognize that a friendship breakup is not the same as a romantic breakup. While there may be similar emotions involved, the dynamics of a friendship are often different. There may not have been a clear ending or closure, which can make it difficult to understand why the friendship has ended. It’s also important to acknowledge that both parties may have had a hand in the dissolution of the friendship, and that it’s not always one person’s fault.
It can be tempting to want closure or answers from the other person, but sometimes this is not possible. You may never fully understand why the friendship ended, and that’s okay. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and moving forward. This may involve seeking support from other friends, family members, or a therapist; this is helpful as a teen trying to make your way through life. It’s also important to engage in self-care activities and practice self-compassion during this time.
Navigating through life as a teenager can be challenging, particularly when faced with the emotional upheaval of a friendship breakup. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to seek support during this time. Reach out to trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or counselors, who can provide a listening ear and guidance.
Also, consider connecting with other friends or joining clubs and activities to broaden your social circle. Don’t hesitate to explore professional help if feelings of sadness or loneliness persist. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your emotional well-being and seek help when needed.
Experiencing a friendship breakup as a teenager can be a difficult and emotionally taxing event. It’s important to understand that it’s perfectly okay to take some time for yourself to process the situation. This could mean taking a step back from social media, focusing on activities that make you happy, or spending time with family or other friends. With the rise of digital interactions, seeking social media addiction treatment is becoming increasingly essential, social media addiction in teens can lead to compounding issues as young adults age.
It’s also crucial to remember that it’s okay to feel sad and to express your emotions – it’s all part of the healing process. In time, your feelings of hurt and confusion will lessen, and you’ll emerge from this experience as a stronger and more resilient individual.
It’s critical to practice self-care during a friendship breakup. Set aside some time each day for activities you enjoy – whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, or taking a walk. It’s essential to express your feelings too, so consider journaling or discussing your feelings with a trusted adult. Don’t forget the basics: maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Lastly, remember this isn’t a reflection of your worth. Friendships can change and sometimes end, but this gives room for other relationships to grow.
Evaluating a friendship post-breakup can be an emotionally challenging yet insightful process, especially during teenage years. It’s essential to understand that friendships, like all relationships, can evolve or dissolve over time.
Reflect on the reasons that sparked the breakup, whether it was a single incident or an accumulation of smaller issues. Did the friendship bring joy, support, and growth, or was it marked by constant misunderstandings, negative energy, and stress?
A healthy friendship is characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and positive influence. It’s okay to outgrow relationships that no longer serve you positively. This evaluation can assist you in understanding what you value in friendships, guiding you in forming healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future.
It’s crucial to remember that it’s okay to grieve the loss of a friendship and allow yourself to feel the pain. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to heal. Find support in other relationships – family, other friends, or even a trusted mentor.
Dive into activities and hobbies that bring you joy and help you regain your sense of self. Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help if the emotional toll becomes too heavy. This phase, like all others, will pass and you will come out stronger on the other side.
How to Help Teens Through a Friendship Breakup
When approaching a teen about their friendship breakup, the temptation is always to get them over this hurdle. Sometimes, however, the teen just wants to acknowledge the hurdle is there; they also want to have their pain validated and not glossed over. Their pain can be cast aside when the only goal a parent or adult has is to get them over it.
Sometimes Friendship Breakups are Necessary
Experiencing friendship breakups can be a harsh reality, even at a young age. Children and teenagers may go through such situations, leading to a mix of confusing emotions and life lessons. These experiences can pave the way for understanding the dynamics of relationships, the importance of empathy, and the value of resolving conflicts – skills that are vital as they navigate the more complex relationships they’ll encounter in adulthood.
How to Know When a Friendship Breakup is Necessary
Recognizing the signs of a toxic friendship is essential for teenage well-being. For instance, if you constantly feel drained or upset after interacting with a friend, it might be a sign that the relationship is unhealthy. Additionally, if there’s a lack of respect, constant criticism, or persistent negative vibes, you may need to consider the health of the friendship.
A friendship should be a source of joy and support, so it’s important to reflect on whether this person brings more negativity than positivity into your life. Always remember, it’s okay to part ways if the friendship is causing undue stress or harm.
Toxic Friendships are Dangerous, Especially at a Young Age
Toxic friendships can have detrimental impacts, particularly on young individuals who are still shaping their identities and perspectives on relationships. These unhealthy associations often involve manipulation, constant criticism, and a lack of mutual respect and understanding.
Consequently, they can lead to decreased self-esteem, increased stress, and potential mental health issues over time. Thus, it’s critical to recognize and navigate away from such harmful relationships, promoting a healthier social environment for young people to grow and flourish.
Getting Past a Friendship Breakup is Not an Easy Road, But You Don’t Have to Do it Alone
The sorrow and sense of loss of a friendship can be profound, but you are not alone in your journey of healing. It’s alright to seek support from loved ones or professional help if the burden gets too heavy. With time and the right coping mechanisms, you can navigate through this difficult time, learning and growing along the way.
At Ridge RTC, we can help. If you’d like some help, call us today!
Megan, now the Medical Director at Ridge RTC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a rich history in medical and mental health services. Her journey includes six years as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and a transformative tenure at Shortridge Academy. Starting as a student mentor at Shortridge in 2012, she climbed the ranks to become Residential Manager, a role that had her creating student trips and managing the residential environment. Before embarking on her medical career, Megan championed the cause of those with severe mental illness as a Case Manager at a community agency.
Ridge RTC is part of the Altior Healthcare family of mental health treatment providers.