I usually internalize all my feelings, how healthy is this?

My girlfriend and I just recently broke up, about 3 weeks ago and it was mostly mutual. I have only told a few close friends since I do not want to deal with the drama talking about it with my parents and siblings. I recently found out that she's already with someone else and it has made me angry and upset, some days I have horrible insomnia. I try to go to the gym about 5-6 days a week to help destress myself since I work from home each day and need to get out of the house. I have all these negative thoughts constantly in my head where should I confront her about how it hurts that she could just "move on" so quick after we were together for 4+ years. I prefer to share my feelings with friends, but I just do not want to spill out all my feelings to them, so I'm just internalizing everything and I'm worried if I go out for drinks or something all those feelings are just going to explode out of me. Thank you
Asked by saulgood
Answered
05/05/2022

First of all - major kudos to you for reaching out to discuss your feelings.  That's not always easy.  Additionally, going to the gym to de-stress is a VERY healthy activity to help manage your emotions right now.   Additionally, recognizing you have a support system with friends and family is a very positive. 

Perhaps talking to one close friend might be a good way to work through some of these feelings.  Sharing ourselves, being vulnerable to those who care about us can sometimes be very helpful and may provide validation of your feelings from someone who knows you and perhaps the relationship.  Having a long term relationship end is hard on your heart and even more agonizing in your head as often we relive moments over and over - ruminating about "what happened".   

You are going through a grief experience right now - losses on several levels - what you thought your relationship was; the plans you may have had for the future, your expectations from your partner; All of these are very significant parts of a relationship and when the dynamics change it can set your world in a tailspin.  Be kind to yourself it takes time.  Getting through grief experiences often can seem like 10 steps forward, 4 steps back, 6 forward, etc.  That can be frustrating when we want to "get past it" or "move on".  Some people seek "closure" and I'm not confident that's always attainable.  Often, with grief, we learn to adapt to the new circumstances and we grow around it.  Confrontation sometimes feels right in the moment, but it does not usually come from a logical or rational place.  You would be better to either record yourself having this "conversation" then play it back a few times.  Don't send the conversation to her - this is about YOU.  Some people like to write a letter about their feelings and what they would say to the person they feel hurt by.  Again, no intention to send this letter to the person it's about.  In fact, burning it is sometimes cathartic for people - expressing themselves, then letting it go.  This is about YOU working through your feelings of grief.