It’s true. a broken heart can kill

I guess on a day like today (valentines day) we should talk about that thing we love and hate…love and the injuries it comes with.

We’ve all felt it. maybe on different levels but we all know what its like to have our hearts broken. to have something that is out of our control happen, to be taken to a different place that we have felt so close too and special for so long, long enough to declare our love and dedicate ourselves too, and then be ripped away from it can create an uncontrollable pain inside us, like the butterflies we had in our bellies are slowly dying and yet we cant help them, can’t call 999 and ask them to come and save them ,and at times we can’t even call our own friends for help.

But why do we feel like we are dying of a broken heart? Well it’s because we are.

One of the main causes of death by broken heart is a heart-attack…or as it has been proven…something like a heart-attack.
It’s called stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome. you’re body becomes so shocked after a traumatic experience it unleashes a flush of chemicals including adrenaline, all this rush can put pressure and stun you’re heart, leaving it unable to pump properly.

The difference between this and a “normal” heart attack is that the arteries are not really damaged in the same way and if caught and treated properly recovery can be fairly quickly.

A sad fact is women have a higher risk of suffering with “broken heart Syndrome”  and especially after the passing of  a significant other, where they are 21 times more likely to suffer in the first 24hours and 6 times higher than normal in the first week since the passing.

But we’ve all felt the other type of broken heart, rejection. being cheated on, dumbed.

The pain of it can last for so long and the threat of sudden memories…oww our song, film, meal, smell, dog suddenly jumping in our heads.

Not only that but mutual friends asking stupid questions like…are you OK? or bumping into them in the street, party or my gut-wrenching favourite…photos and new relationship status change on facebook, twitter and other stalker friendly social network sites.

Now from personal experience this problem grows painfully big in young men.

We seem to believe its wrong for us to cry, talk about feeling upset or be weak, admit we feel alone or not coping well. possibly feeling less of a man or scared we would be laughed at and ridiculed.

This problem has grown so much that suicide is the second biggest killer in young men in England and Wales. coming from the South Wales valleys I can tell you now there is a huge suicide problem going on, in my village alone within the last year I believe 3-5 young men took their own life, men who seemed to be “OK” but after it being too late everyone realizing…they went and asking themselves, why didn’t they say something.

I don’t know if you all remember in the west near Bridgend between Jan 2007 and Dec 2008, 25 young people took there own lives, but its not only young people, but adults may be suffering with the loss of a loved one, money issues, family problems and even relationship problems that can drive what would seem a happy and friendly person to travel down a road that is lonely, cruel and hell to return from.

But there is an answer, there is help and there are lots of them….for one….talk about it, don’t be ashamed if you feel like this, don’t worry what people will say.

My relationship history hasn’t been great, in truth it’s awful and I have been used and abused and ripped apart by my exes, I felt ashamed, how the big and tough Seb could be brought to his knees by a little, sweet young lady…or ladies.
its true but my friends made me realize its OK, it wont hurt forever and I will walk onward to the light.

Another secret and this is the best I believe…..EXERCISE.

As well as releasing natural chemicals that improve your mood and make you feel happier, having an active lifestyle can do more to help your mental health.

Taking part in physical activities offers many opportunities. It’s a great way to meet people. And it can be a chance to give yourself a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life – to find some me time.

Leading an active life can help raise your self-worth and improve your confidence. It can help you feel valued – and value yourself.

Exercise and physical activity can provide something worthwhile in your life. Something that you really enjoy, that gives you a goal to aim for and a sense of purpose.

Here are a few of the benefits:
less tension, stress and mental fatigue
a natural energy boost
improved sleep
a sense of achievement
focus in life and motivation
less anger or frustration
a healthy appetite
better social life
having fun. 
improved sex life…..yes men it can.

So don’t be afraid, don’t be alone. you have the right to be happy.
So get out there, take a challenge and hit it head on.
Start slow and small if needs be. Set yourself a goal and aim to smash it and never-ever look back.