#46 Dopamine, Heartbreak & Why You're Not Crazy: The Science of a Breakup

Have you ever wondered why a breakup can feel so physically unbearable? The nausea, the chest pain, the inability to eat or sleep, the spiralling thoughts that won't switch off- and on top of all of that, the shame of feeling like it shouldn't be this hard?

In this week's episode, Kelly breaks down exactly what is happening inside your brain and body when a relationship ends- and why it is quite literally the same neurological experience as going through a drug withdrawal.

This one is backed by science, packed with practical tools & might just be the most validating episode yet.

You'll hear:

✨ Why your brain in love looks identical to a brain high on cocaine and what that means for your healing

✨ The three feel-good chemicals (dopamine, oxytocin & serotonin) that your relationship was giving you — and what happens when they're suddenly cut off

✨ Why you can't stop checking his Instagram, rereading old messages, or looking for excuses to reach out — it's not weakness, it's neuroscience

✨ How your nervous system loses its main source of co-regulation when a relationship ends — and why that sends you into survival mode

✨ The role of cortisol in your breakup spiral — and the simple daily habits that help bring it back down

✨ Breathwork techniques (including the physiological sigh) that are scientifically proven to activate your parasympathetic nervous system fast

✨ How to redirect your dopamine cravings instead of white-knuckling through them

✨ Why you need both space to feel it and space to step away from it — and how to find that balance

If you've ever thought "why am I being like this?" after a breakup, this episode is your answer. There is nothing wrong with you. Your brain is doing exactly what it was wired to do.

Links & Resources

📧 Share your story for the "Where Is She Now?" segment: info@kellyskoaching.com

📲 Follow Kelly on Instagram & TikTok: @kellyskoaching

🔗 Explore all links & resources: Linktree