The Psychology of your 20s 356. How to survive a breakup in your 20s
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Nov 21, 2025 Breakups can feel like a gut punch, triggering pain as intense as physical hurt. The episode delves into why heartbreak affects our brains, highlighting three emotional waves: shock, deep grief, and eventual acceptance. It shares practical strategies for healing, like journaling, starting new hobbies, and the power of a supportive 'breakup buddy.' The conversation also covers the tricky 'what ifs' that prolong grief and offers hope for future love, reminding us that time and self-love are key to finding clarity.
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Two Breakups That Changed Her Life
- Jemma Sbeg recounts two major breakups in 2021 that reshaped her life and career path.
- One led directly to starting this podcast and later to a three-year relationship and personal growth.
Heartbreak Is Neurologically Real
- Breakup pain activates the same brain regions as physical pain because love relies on dopamine and oxytocin.
- The brain becomes dependent on that partner and experiences withdrawal when the relationship ends.
You Grieve The Lost Future Too
- Breakups create a 'near future void' by erasing shared plans and imagined futures with a partner.
- This ambiguous loss complicates grieving because you mourn a future that never happens.