How to Fix a Broken Heart
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4.4 • 92 Ratings
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
Imagine if we treated broken hearts with the same respect and concern we have for broken arms? Psychologist Guy Winch urges us to rethink the way we deal with emotional pain, offering warm, wise, and witty advice for the broken-hearted.
Real heartbreak is unmistakable. We think of nothing else. We feel nothing else. We care about nothing else. Yet while we wouldn’t expect someone to return to daily activities immediately after suffering a broken limb, heartbroken people are expected to function normally in their lives, despite the emotional pain they feel. Now psychologist Guy Winch imagines how different things would be if we paid more attention to this unique emotion—if only we can understand how heartbreak works, we can begin to fix it.
Through compelling research and new scientific studies, Winch reveals how and why heartbreak impacts our brain and our behavior in dramatic and unexpected ways, regardless of our age. Emotional pain lowers our ability to reason, to think creatively, to problem solve, and to function at our best. In How to Fix a Broken Heart he focuses on two types of emotional pain—romantic heartbreak and the heartbreak that results from the loss of a cherished pet. These experiences are both accompanied by severe grief responses, yet they are not deemed as important as, for example, a formal divorce or the loss of a close relative. As a result, we are often deprived of the recognition, support, and compassion afforded to those whose heartbreak is considered more significant.
Our heart might be broken, but we do not have to break with it. Winch reveals that recovering from heartbreak always starts with a decision, a determination to move on when our mind is fighting to keep us stuck. We can take control of our lives and our minds and put ourselves on the path to healing. Winch offers a toolkit on how to handle and cope with a broken heart and how to, eventually, move on.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Psychologist Winch (The Squeaky Wheel) outlines how heartbreak can impede daily life and provides tools for individuals experiencing emotional anguish. He focuses on two types of emotional pain that he believes are downplayed in society: romantic heartbreak and the loss of cherished pets. Winch argues that these experiences are often accompanied by severe grief but are generally not taken as seriously by society as the deaths of close relatives (for example, employers are more likely to offer bereavement leave for the death of parent than for that of a beloved pet). This lack of empathy is often reflected in the mind of the individual sufferer, which prolongs the healing process. In addition to highlighting the shortcomings of society's views on emotional pain, Winch gives advice to readers dealing with romantic breakups: avoid common setbacks such as blaming oneself for a relationship's demise or idealizing the other person. Most importantly, he preaches self-compassion. This tender book reminds readers to be kind to others and themselves.
Customer Reviews
See AllHealing Emotional Scars
Dr. Winch's meticulous exploration of the emotional fissures that mar our hearts, and the subsequent impacts they exert on our day-to-day lives, stands as one of the most profound and exhaustive studies in recent times. The content of his work seamlessly melds medical and psychological perspectives, providing a holistic view of the human psyche's fragility. Underpinning his assertions is a robust body of research, paired with his own venerable experience in the field. This confluence of academic rigor and practical insight renders his work both authoritative and deeply resonant.
Thank you!
I am going through the worst heartbreak of my life, something that has shattered me to the ground. I found hope in this pages. I hope other people do as well. We will heal…
Relief from the Agony
This book helped me realize that the torture that your emotions stew up are experienced by nearly every human being on this planet. Also how your normally reliable problem solving tactics will completely ruin your head space after a harsh breakup. It does hurt a lot but that’s ok! Helped me get a fantastic for moving forward.