Friendship breakups are sending people to therapy

Friendship breakups can hurt just as deeply as ending a romantic relationship, and it's more common than you think.

With teenagers alone, one study showed that as many as 86% of them experienced a friendship breakup. As people get older and make more friends, they run the risk of experiencing even more friendship breakups, leaving them in search of comfort. They may feel isolated, wondering what went wrong. They may even experience emotional stress, unsure of what to do.

There is a viable path forward. One of the best things you can do is find professional support with therapy for friendship loss.

Work with a trained professional to help with the pain and emotional impact of breakups. You can work through your feelings, regardless of how complicated they are.

Why Do Friendship Breakups Hurt So Much?

Humans want social connections and to find other people to share their time with. They crave emotional stability, love, and a chance to feel mentally and physically secure. 

Friendships may even help a person live a longer, happier life, especially as these bonds help them with their mental and physical health. Just knowing you have someone to rely on -- to call when you need help or a friendly face when your day is rough -- can make a huge impact.

The difference with a platonic relationship versus a romantic one is that people are often expected to simply accept that loss and move on. In reality, there is the myth of "forever friends," which only perpetuates the pain associated with the end of a friendship.

When it's not acknowledged that friendship losses can hurt just as deeply, there might be even more anger or ambiguity over how a person should act. The best thing to do after a friendship ends is accept that loss and don't try to conceal your emotions.

Speak with a trained professional about coping with a friendship ending and work through it together.

Just because there are fewer social scripts for how to feel following the fracture of a platonic relationship doesn't mean your feelings should be minimized. It's incredibly common to feel rejected after these losses, or even have questions or feel self-doubt. Some people even feel shame and wonder if they caused the breakup or what they could have done differently.

How Can Professional Support Help Heal Platonic Grief?

If you need help, there's no reason to feel embarrassed. Instead, share your feelings with experienced professionals like Taylor Counseling Group therapists. They're ready to help with all your feelings, whether it's rejection, shame, isolation, or something else entirely.

It's also very important to find a safe space, and professional therapists offer this. They sit and work with you to create sustainable plans for setting boundaries to form lasting friendships.

The Importance of Moving Forward With Friendship Breakups

Just because you're experiencing the impact of friendship breakups doesn't mean it doesn't hurt as badly as the loss of a romantic partner. Work with a trusted professional for the help you deserve.

Navigating complex emotions? Have you lost a friend and need mental health support, or want to learn more about therapy trends? Browse our archive for wellness resources to support your path.

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.