Have you ever wondered if you’ll ever recover fully from a broken heart? A new study by Compare the Market has revealed the average number of times Americans have experienced heartbreak, the causes, and how long it’s taken their hearts to heal. Over three-quarters (76%), of the people surveyed have had their hearts broken as a result of a romance, whereas 48% have had a broken heart at the hands of a friend. The period of time it takes to recover from those heartbreaks also differs dramatically from state to state, with Nebraska being the heartbreak capital of the U.S. The average person suffers from a broken heart 3.33 times, taking a period of 15.91 months to recover.
For those who have had their heart broken and experienced the mental and physical turmoil that often accompanies it, you’re not alone, as new research1 by comparethemarket.com.au reveals the average American has endured heartbreak 2.55 times in their life, with each taking 13.48 months to overcome.
When asked what their heartbreak relates to, romantic relationships are the most common (76%) followed by the sorrow from losing a family member (70%), the loss of a beloved pet (55%), and a broken-down friendship (48%).
Out of all 50 states, Nebraska is the heartbreak capital of the U.S. with the average person going through the devastation 3.33 times and taking an average of 15.91 months to heal. Southern states seem to have fewer heartbreaks, with Wisconsin the only non-Southern state to feature on the list of least heartbreaks. Alabama residents get away the lightest, with an average of 1.83 heartbreaks in a lifetime, with Wisconsin in second place, at 1.87. Georgia, Louisiana, and Arizona make up the bottom five.
Looking further into their compiled data, Compare the Market also reveals the period of time it takes each state to recover:
The study suggests that out of the top five, Oregon residents take the longest of all to overcome their pain, which comes as no surprise when you understand the biggest cause (83%) is the loss of a family member.
The impacts of heartbreak can affect people both emotionally and physically, Dr. Marisa T Cohen, Head of Couple Relationships at Paired Couples app, explained: “A broken heart is often associated with grief, and the effects of grief can be both physiological and psychological.”
“Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, also known as Broken Heart Syndrome, often occurs after an emotionally stressful event due to a sudden surge of stress hormones and may result in sensations similar to a heart attack. It is important to note that this can be a result of any significant stressor, not just a broken heart.”
The grief experienced due to a broken heart can be intense, but there is no need to go through it by yourself. Find a therapist or counselor to assist you in processing the experience and emotions associated with the loss and in developing mechanisms and strategies to help you cope.
