Depression After a Breakup: Signs, Causes & When to Get Help

27.03.25

Is It More Than Heartbreak? Recognising Depression After a Breakup

Break-ups hurt. Whether it was a long-term relationship or something that felt like it could’ve been “the one,” losing that connection can shake your world.

Feeling sad, lost, or even angry in the days or weeks after a break-up is completely normal (read more about the stages of grief after a break up here). You might find yourself re-reading old messages, replaying conversations in your head, or wondering if you made a mistake.

But, while heartbreak is a part of the healing process, depression is not. Depression isn’t just a deeper kind of sadness—it’s a mental health condition that deserves attention and care.

When the emotional pain starts affecting your daily life in a significant way, it’s time to pause and check in with yourself.

So how can you tell the difference between a rough patch and something more serious? And what can you do if you think you’re slipping into depression after a breakup? Let’s explore the signs and some helpful ways to take care of yourself.

At A Glance

Before we go any further, here’s a quick look at what we’ll be unpacking together:

Why breakups can hit deeper than you expect: Sometimes it’s not just the relationship ending—it’s the emotional baggage it stirs up. Old wounds, questions about self-worth, and deeper fears can quietly resurface, even if you think you’re “handling it fine.”
How to spot the difference between heartbreak and depression: If the sadness sticks around too long, feels relentless, or starts messing with your sleep, appetite, energy, or ability to function—it could be more than just grief.
What actually helps (and what doesn’t): From creating a small daily routine to giving yourself space from your ex, we’ll walk through gentle, realistic steps that can actually make a difference—even when getting out of bed feels like a win.
When to reach out for extra support: You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis mode. If things feel too heavy to carry on your own, a mental health professional can help you make sense of it all and feel a little more like yourself again.

Let’s take a closer look at what post-breakup depression can look like—and how to start moving forward, one small step at a time.

Signs of Depression After a Breakup

Heartache and grief can look a lot like depression, especially in the beginning. But if the intense sadness lingers for more than a couple of weeks and starts to interfere with your daily functioning, it could be more than just heartbreak.

According to recent statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 3 million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. So, if your breakup has triggered something deeper, you are far from alone.

Here are some signs to watch for:

Persistent sadness or low mood: You might feel down most of the day, nearly every day. Normal grief involves periods of lightness or other feelings between waves of sadness; depression is more unrelenting.
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed: Hobbies, social events, or even food may no longer feel appealing. It’s normal to withdraw a little as you’re grieving a breakup, but completely losing interest in things that you used to love, especially over a longer period, is a red flag.
Changes in sleep: Struggling to fall asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much.
Appetite changes: Either eating significantly more or less than usual.
Fatigue or lack of energy: Even small tasks can feel exhausting, going beyond ‘I can’t be bothered’ and more towards ‘even if I wanted to, I’m not sure I could…’.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: You may blame yourself excessively or feel like you’re not good enough.
Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing whilst at work, studying, or during conversations.
Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness: If you’re feeling like things will never get better, or having thoughts about hurting yourself, it’s critical to seek help immediately.

Everyone experiences these symptoms differently, and not everyone will have all of them. What matters is how much they’re impacting your day-to-day life and your ability to function.

If you’re worried you might be struggling with depression, visit the Black Dog Institute Online Clinic for a quick self-assessment quiz.

Feel like you’re struggling to keep your head above water? Depression counselling can help unpack what this breakup may have stirred up.

What Helsp When You’re Dealing with Post-Breakup Depression?

When you’re dealing with post-breakup depression, even the smallest step forward can feel like climbing a mountain. But healing is possible, and there are ways to begin that process – bit by bit.

Here are a few strategies that can help you manage your mental health:

Stick to a routine: Even if you’re not up for much, try to keep some structure to your day. Wake up, shower, eat regular meals.
Reach out to someone: Isolation can feed depression. Talk to a friend, family member, or someone you trust about how you’re feeling. You don’t need to “have it all together” to open up.
Move your body: Gentle exercise (like walking, stretching, or yoga) can be a great release of endorphins that naturally boost your mood. You don’t need a full workout – just start small.
Limit contact with your ex: It can be tempting to check their social media or stay in touch, but giving yourself emotional space is crucial for healing.
Avoid numbing habits: Alcohol, drugs, or overworking can seem like a way to escape, but they often make things worse in the long run.
Write it out: Journaling can help you process your thoughts and feelings in a safe, private way. No need for perfect grammar—just get it out.
Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to be hurting. You’re not weak for struggling—you’re human.

These coping strategies won’t erase your pain overnight, but they can help you feel a little more in control as you heal.

When To Find A Helping Hand

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the sadness doesn’t lift. And that’s not a failure – it’s a sign that you might need extra support.

Here’s when it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health professional:

Your symptoms have lasted more than a couple of weeks and are affecting your work, other relationships, or daily life.
You feel stuck in a cycle of hopelessness or self-blame that you can’t shake.
You’re withdrawing from everyone, even people you usually trust.
You’ve had thoughts of self-harm, or feel like life isn’t worth living.

A psychologist can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and develop healthier ways to cope. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you – because you’re not broken. It’s about giving you the tools and support to understand your emotions and move forward in a way that feels safe and empowering.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to who isn’t personally involved can make a huge difference.

Healing Takes Time—But It’s Possible

Breakups can leave us feeling raw, vulnerable, and unsure of how to move forward with our lives. But depression doesn’t have to be your new normal. Recognising the signs early, taking small steps toward healing, and knowing when to seek help are all part of caring for your mental health.

If you’re finding it hard to get through the day or you’re stuck in feelings that won’t shift, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team at Peaceful Mind Psychology is here to support you with compassion, care, and practical tools for healing.

Whether you’re trying to make sense of what you’re feeling or ready to take the next step toward support, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with us today to find a psychologist who’s the right fit for you.