Remember that first big breakup you just could not get over for the life of you? It lingered for months and even years. Maybe this is happening to you now and you don't know why it just won't go away? This is not necessarily because of the person, but it has to do with our brain. Researchers have found over the years that memories are actually formed in our brain through the strengthening on neuron connections that send and receive information. Now, when the memory is stressful on our emotions, what happens is there is an increase in the stress hormone called norepinephrine.



As the stress hormone norepinphrine and how it actually affects our connections is still being researched we do know that those long-lasting emotional memories are due to the chemicals in our brains. However, too much of this chemical can indeed cause the opposite effect in which we discover a lapse of memory in regards to the particularly traumatic or emotionally stressful event. So are there any ways we can deal with the memories that do occur or are currently occurring? There are many ways that individuals deal with their breakups and it would vary with the person, the most popular choice among those I have spoken to in L.A. chose professional counseling. Also, another thing worth mentioning after looking into the subject I have found very interesting is that many people actually mention that hypnotherapy was their option of choice. Now, this is just after researching and questioning as I have never been involved in a hypnotherapy session in my life. I am simply relaying others' responses.

We have all gone through tough periods in our lives and many of us as still currently dealing with these problems. Britney Spears is a perfect example of a person who is experiencing quite a bit of emotional stress. However, it appears that she has taken an all to common and quite dangerous route in order to mask the pain of the trauma in her life. Many individuals I have know have used drugs and alcohol to cover us their emotional pain rather than seek counseling. They seem a bit overwhelmed and go into a complete tailspin. Believe me when I say this as it is true: regular usage of drugs and alcohol to mask pain will only send you down a path that will inevitably cause you to do more things that will become even more traumatic. If you are going through this level of emotional stress, please speak with someone who is a professional, a psychologist. They are there to help you and they work with similar cases daily so there is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of anything.

One thing to remember is that our emotional stress is caused by the chemicals in our brain, namely the stress hormone norepinephrine. There are many ways to deal with such emotionally stressful situations in life, such as those very painful break ups, and there are professionals out there who understand your plight and sincerely want to help you. As it is sometimes the best choice to go out and get drunk after a break up, try to keep away from a regular drinking/drug binge and just seek counseling if you feel that tail spin coming on. Emotional stress is real and it is just part of our nature. Once we understand it, we can begin to really do things to help ourselves feel better so we can begin to create more of those long-lasting 'perfect memories' that keep us smiling daily.