Neuroimaging studies have shown that brain regions involved in processing physical pain overlap considerably with those tied to social anguish. The connection is so strong that traditional bodily painkillers seem capable of relieving our emotional wounds. Love may actually hurt, like hurt hurt, after all.
This is entirely possible, not just for the pain of missing someone, but any emotional pain. Grief, depression, anger, and so forth are physically real inside the body. With a high enough concentration of these emotions you'll have very tangible physical effects- including pain.
When we feel heartache, for example, we are experiencing a blend of emotional stress and the stress-induced sensations in our chest—muscle tightness, increased heart rate, abnormal stomach activity and shortness of breath.
If so, then you're probably well aware that this experience is real, and it can really hurt. Well, that feeling has a name: lovesickness.
When you experience any kind of social pain, including the pain of not being close to your partner, your brain thinks it's experiencing physical pain. Studies have found that when you're upset about your relationship and feel emotional pain, the same physical pain centers in your brain that light up.
"There are a few neurochemical processes that are occurring for both men and women when they are in love," Silva tells Elite Daily. "Your body is releasing adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, in addition to testosterone and estrogen. Dopamine is what creates chivalrous behavior in men and intense attachment for women."
Lovesickness refers to the strong feelings that arise from being unable to be with your loved one physically or emotionally. This can originate from many situations, such as: Not being able to confess your love to the person. Your loved one passing away. Feeling unrequited love.
Learning to cope with missing someone may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the relationship and your coping mechanisms.
You may feel a little sick
That's your body's way of telling you that you really like that person. “Lovesickness may actually be the stress hormone cortisol contracting the blood vessels in your stomach, making you feel sick,” Dr. Kirk says.
Disappointment and betrayal hurt deeply, but they can be healed with time. However, the most painful thing is longing — yearning for something you care about and love deeply. Your heart is torn into pieces because you cannot see or be with the person you long for.
Breakdown of a Broken Heart
(Takotsubo are octopus traps that resemble the pot-like shape of the stricken heart.) Women are more likely than men to experience sudden, intense chest pain — the reaction to a surge of stress hormones — that can be caused by an emotionally stressful event.
The feeling you get when you miss your partner means that your brain is seeking them out and typically your oxytocin and dopamine levels drop. As Tara L. Skubella, relationship expert and tantra coach with Earth Tantra, tells Bustle, "Physical touch, sexual and heartfelt connection increases these levels.
In fact, they might even get clues that you miss them based on how you text and what kind of things you post online. The person you're missing will sense this fast especially if they're the sensitive type. They will get shy around you. They might keep their distance or stutter when they talk.
Notice how often they call or text.
If the person is often reaching out to talk, they probably miss you when you're not around. Everyone has different styles around communication, but frequent phone calls and messages are a good sign of investment in a relationship.
What Causes Us to Miss Someone? "When you miss someone, it means you really care about the person and you value them," says Katie Lasson, Clinical Sexologist & Relationship Advisor. "You need this person in your life because it makes you feel better and you are happier. That's why you miss somebody."
Studies using anecdotal evidence have indicated that long-term separation from a romantic partner can lead to increased anxiety and depression as well as problems such as sleep disturbances. Now researchers are identifying the neurochemical mechanisms behind these behavioral and physiological effects.
Get Busy Doing With New Activities
Getting out of that mindset is very difficult, but making your life busier with new activities will allow you to: Distract Yourself. Meet New People And Have New Experiences. Move On From Missing That Person.
Changes in brain chemistry: Scientific studies indicate that your brain reacts significantly when you're missing someone you love: The oxytocin and dopamine that's released during a relationship suddenly stop flowing. You become chemically dependent on their presence in your life.
"For love-struck victims, the world appears altered. Replacing the flatness of ordinary experience is a fullness". According to Tallis, some of the symptom clusters shared with being lovestruck include: Euphoria, that is, abnormally elevated mood, inflated self-esteem, extravagant gift giving.
Breakups can hurt for many reasons, and missing someone is often a healthy way to cope with grief. However, your behavior in response to these feelings could be unhealthy. Learning healthy ways to cope when you miss someone can be valuable if you're unsure.
Being in love looks different for everyone, but you can count on experiencing bliss, stability, and a lasting connection. The early, euphoric feelings result from increases in dopamine and norepinephrine . You'll develop a deeper connection once oxytocin levels increase as it leads to attachment.
You might be thinking about what he's doing now, who he's dating, and whether he is thinking about you and missing you, too. When you think about him, you might also be thinking a lot about when you first got together and how you fell in love.