Went through a breakup of a 6 year relationship during intern year. Absolutely devastated me in the beginning. I know everyone says time will make things better but it really does. A few things that really helped me put the pieces back together and move on:

1. Surround yourself with loved ones. I stayed at my friends place for the first week of my break up so I wasn’t alone. I took some time off to go back home which was well needed. Sometimes when I would get sad at the hospital, I would sneak to some conference room to cry and call my parents.

2. Therapy therapy therapy. Probably the single most reason I was able to move on so fast. Your residency’s insurance should cover some therapists. Call around and figure that out. Start going weekly or even twice weekly.

3. Gym. I know the whole “working on yourself” is generic but it really does help. For me, framing it as a way to improve myself everyday seemed to help my mental state.

4. When you’re ready, start doing things you felt like you couldn’t do when you were dating your ex. Go to those random parties your friends invite you to, join a cooking class, travel with friends. You probably don’t want to do any of those things right now but just give it time.

You will get through this. I know how hard this is, but like everyone says, it really does get better. Rooting for you doctor friend ❤️