What to do if you're having trouble letting go

Collage featuring three separate elements: a young man with black hair in a colorful sweater sitting on grass, another young women in a gray hoodie and hat sitting with crossed legs, and a hand holding a pink sprinkled donut.
Categories:

Somebody asked us for some tips on how to let go, and we asked our online pals to share some advice.

So the question is: My partner and I recently broke up. I’ve been having real trouble letting go – any advice on how to move on?

Our TikTok and Instagram friends are amazing and have some great info, here's what they said.

Your Questions

  • Noel It takes time, leaving a loved one is probably one of the most painful, emotional experiences you can go though so you won’t just be able to let go the second the relationship ends, you gotta do the things that you wouldn't have normally done with a boyfriend/girlfriend so you aren't constantly reminded that 'Hey! I did this with that partner, you know the one that left you!' and eventually things will just go back to normal.
  • Philip There is no real way of 'letting go', it’s just something that happens after a given length of time and you can't exactly force it because you'll just remind yourself that you are doing this because of the break up.
  • Deb It takes time. It’s a grieving process. Usually only one party feels sad as the other person chose to end it. Don’t take it personally. But do not be their backstop. It will prolong the pain. 6 weeks you will be happy again.
  • Mathew I believe if you look for other things in life to be grateful for, your chances of moving on will be better. Friends, family, pets etc
  • Carla Give it time. Just keep living your life day by day and one day you'll realise you already have moved on  :)
  • Eloisa Eat, sleep, repeat.
Send your question

Often someone will feel a million bucks when a relationship ends, and that’s ok.

But when a breakup is hurting the consensus seems to be: get out there, try new things, and know that it will get easier with time…

If you need more information on dealing with relationship breakups, visit Headspace.
If you’re still struggling with the way you feel and want some help, contact Kids Help Line (1800 551 800) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

You may also like...

A collage of two images on a photo of Earth from space. The collage images are of a man dressed as an astronaut while on a laptop, some cactus, and a young man reading a book.
Categories:
  • Relationships
  • Emotions
So, they’ve asked for space. Not ghosted you. Not said it’s over. They just asked for some time to themselves, and suddenly, your brain started running laps.
How To Respect Someone’s Need For Space (Without Taking It Personally)
A collage of three images - hands holding, a clenched teeth emoji, two young people talking to each other while sitting on steps - on a dark starry sky background.
Categories:
  • Relationships
We all get it, feeling cared about feels good. It’s natural to want to feel supported and looked after in a relationship.
Is This Caring Or controlling? 5 Ways to Tell the Difference
Collage of two images on a textured background. A young woman with brown skin talking on the phone. Two young men looking at a phone with unhappy looks on their faces.
Categories:
  • Relationships
Okay, we get it, red flags get all the attention. But if you’re only looking for what not to do, you might miss all the good stuff, the green flags.
4 Green Flags In Relationships: Signs You’re Getting It Right
A collage of two images, one of a young man on his phone with a concerned look on his face, and the other of a young woman and young man with their arms on each others' shoulder.
Categories:
  • Relationships
Have you ever wondered what boundaries are? That word comes up lots, and it's important to know what it means.
What actually are boundaries?
Loading next article