How to Heal a Broken Heart

Jasmine Crowne, RN (Avant PMHNP Student) • February 9, 2024

Experiencing the termination of a relationship, whether due to a breakup, divorce, or loss, can give the sensation of maneuvering through a tumultuous situation without a guiding instrument. The emotional turmoil caused by a broken heart, although profoundly individualized and distinct, exhibits shared elements of sorrow, deprivation, and ultimately, recovery. When embarking on the healing journey, it is crucial to recognize that progress is not always a straight line, but rather a sequence of advancing and occasionally regressing steps. Below are a few suggestions that help you in navigating this challenging period.

Allow Yourself to Grieve


Grieving is a natural response to loss. It's important to allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions that come with a broken heart: sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief. Suppressing these feelings can prolong the healing process. Remember, it's okay to not be okay for a while.


Seek Support


Healing is not a journey you should embark on alone. Reach out to family, friends, or a support group where you can share your feelings and experiences. Sometimes, speaking to a professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can offer insights and coping strategies that friends and family cannot. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 


Establish a Routine


A broken heart can throw your world into disarray, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy. Try to include activities that promote well-being such as exercise, a hobby, or meditation. These can act as anchors, providing stability during turbulent times.


Embrace Change


A significant loss can alter your sense of identity and future. Embracing this change can be a powerful step toward healing. Reflect on what you've learned from each relationship (whether romantic or platonic) and how it has shaped you. This period of self-discovery can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.


Be Patient With Yourself

Healing takes time. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient and compassionate with yourself through this process. Avoid setting a timeline for your recovery. Healing can not be rushed. 


Look Forward


Gradually, you will start to look forward more than backward. While the scar of a broken heart may never fully disappear, it becomes a part of who you are, not a definition of you. Embrace the future with openness and hope.


A broken heart is a testament to our capacity to love and, with time, to heal. As you navigate through your journey of healing, remember that it’s about progress, not perfection. Each step, no matter how small, is a step towards a stronger, more resilient you!

Supporting a Loved One in Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder

By Raquel Harvey, BSN, RN, PMHNP Student • December 8, 2025
September is National Recovery Month. During this time several efforts are made to raise awareness about substance use disorders. The importance of treatment, recovery, and community support is highlighted. For many families, watching a loved one struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can feel overwhelming. Recovery is a journey that involves the person with the disorder as well as the family. Recovery does not happen overnight; it is an ongoing process that may involve therapy, medications, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Family members play a vital role in creating a safe and encouraging environment that fosters sustained recovery. Supporting your loved one can provide short- and long-term sobriety. Let’s talk about some ways families can support a loved one recovering from AUD while also taking care of themselves.

Medication Assisted Treatment Myths and Facts

By Henok Hayes, BSN, RN; PMHMP-S • December 8, 2025
Currently more Americans die every year from drug overdoses than in motor vehicle crashes. This crisis is taking a devastating toll on certain parts of the U.S., such as Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Baltimore (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021a ).

Fall Self-Care Practices Infographic

By Shanila Huerta, Morehouse School of Medicine PA-S • December 1, 2025
Ahh yes...fall. Pumpkin spice season, leaves changing colors, halloween around the corner, and days getting shorter!!

Preparing Mentally for the Shorter Days of Fall: Preventing Seasonal

By Aksh Chhabra, Morehouse School of Medicine PA-S • December 1, 2025
Many individuals tend to notice shifts in their mood, energy and motivation as days grow shorter, and sunlight fades earlier in the day. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to changes in daylight exposure. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), SAD affects 5% of adults in the US each year. Symptoms typically begin in the fall and last throughout the winter months. There are proactive steps you can take now to mentally prepare for the season change. This blog explores what SAD is, why it happens and how you can protect your mental health during the darker months.

Building Resilience During Seasonal Transitions

By Alysia Campbell, BSN, RN, PMHNP Student • November 24, 2025
Seasonal changes, whether moving from winter to spring or summer to fall, affect more than just the weather. For many people, these transitions influence mood, energy, and overall mental wellness. Some may notice changes in sleep, appetite, motivation, or irritability. For those with underlying mood disorders or seasonal affective disorders (SAD), these shifts can feel challenging. By understanding the biological, environmental, and social elements involved, people can develop resilience and even flourish amid these changes. Resilience is not about avoiding stress, it’s about learning to navigate change with flexibility, self-awareness, and proactive strategies. And while seasonal changes often refer to shifts in environment, they can also represent the seasons of life where the highs and lows shape us. These seasons serve as a reminder that change is frequently necessary for growth.

Balancing Life with ADHD: Awareness, Understanding, and Practical Coping Strategies

By Rachael Colver, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, and PMHNP Student • November 24, 2025
October is recognized as ADHD Awareness Month, a time to highlight the realities of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, reduce stigma, and share practical strategies that support those living with it. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children and adults worldwide, but it is still widely misunderstood. For many, ADHD is thought of as simply being overly energetic or easily distracted. However, ADHD is far more complex, involving brain-based differences in attention, impulse control, and regulation of activity. Raising awareness is important because with proper understanding, treatment, and support, people with ADHD can thrive in school, work, relationships, and beyond.

Role Of Social Connectedness in Preventing Isolation in Older Adults

By Joyce W. Kinuthia, BSN, RN, PMHNP-Student • November 17, 2025
National and international health guidance agencies have placed high emphasis on the critical need to mitigate Social Isolation among older adults. The 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory declared social disconnection a national health crisis. The World Health Organization(WHO) has called loneliness “a significant determinant of mental health in older age”, rating social isolation and loneliness among older adults a public health priority. The CDC has similarly spotlighted “Social connection” among older adults as a determinant of health that impacts both a person’s mental and physical health. CDC further stated that social isolation increases the risk of premature death from all causes. The National Institute on Aging similarly stated that social isolation may accelerate mental aging and worsen psychiatric vulnerability

Breathing Through the Storm: My Go-To Yoga Breathing Techniques for Anxiety and Stress

By Myesha Hunt, PMHNP-S • November 17, 2025
If there’s one thing nursing has taught me, it’s that anxiety has a way of stealing people’s breath. I’ve sat with patients who whispered, “I can’t breathe” while their oxygen levels were perfectly fine. What they were really describing was the tight grip of panic. That stuck with me. Because even before I began my journey to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I understood how scary that feeling is. Anxiety makes the body feel unsafe, even when you are safe. And often, the breath is the first place it shows up.

Fall Self-Care Practices: Nature Walks, Journaling, and More!

By Caleb Findley, BS; Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine • November 10, 2025
As fall approaches, many people often feel a downregulated or depressed mood. Your circadian rhythm is responsible for releasing various brain chemicals that help control your alertness and mood.

Preparing Mentally for the Shorter Days of Fall: Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Ana Beck, B.A., MSW Student, Relationship Coach specializing in Trauma-Informed Care • November 10, 2025
As the days grow shorter and nights come earlier, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. At the start of fall, some may feel worsening or the beginning of depressive symptoms without apparent environmental or pharmacological changes.