When Love is Not in the Air: Mending a Broken Heart

Douthit believes breakups can be a good time for re-evaluation and personal growth.

Douthit believes breakups can be a good time for re-evaluation and personal growth.

February is the month of love, relationships and telling the person you care about how you feel. But with love, sometimes come breakups.

Paul Douthit, Ph.D., Texas Tech Physicians, said a breakdown in a relationship can be a breakthrough for a new you.

“Some people do not change unless there is a loss in their life or if they are confronted with a negative situation,” Douthit said.

Embrace Change

“People like consistency, stability. They strive for comfort or do what they are supposed to do. But if you go through a breakup, it can lead to your best of times. Change is difficult for us. But change can be powerful.”

When a person goes through a breakup, pain is a part of the healing process. The breakup can be a good time to re-evaluate your life and needs for your future. When things don’t work out, take this time to ask:

  • Am I comfortable and safe in my relationships?
  • What did I learn from this relationship?
  • Am I stuck in my idea of what a relationship should be?
  • What do I want from a future relationship?

Pick Up the Pieces

By realizing you create your own goals and life plan, you can change a negative process into a positive one.

Douthit said it is up to the individual to stay positive.

Related Stories

Celebrating Veterans: TTUHSC’s General Martin Clay’s Legacy of Service and Leadership

From his initial enlistment in the Army National Guard 36 years ago to his leadership in military and civilian health care management roles, Major General Martin Clay’s career has been shaped by adaptability, mission focus and service to others.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Named Best Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in Texas

The TTUHSC School of Nursing Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been ranked the No. 1 accelerated nursing program in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org.

TTUHSC Names New Regional Dean for the School of Nursing

Louise Rice, DNP, RN, has been named regional dean of the TTUHSC School of Nursing on the Amarillo campus.

Recent Stories

Campus Life

TTUHSC University Awards Ceremony Honors Recipients

On February 19, TTUHSC honored recipients at the University Awards, which held a significant change in 2026 by combining the annual recognition ceremonies for the first time.

Research

National Academy of Inventors Names TTUHSC Faculty Senior Members

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has designated two current and one former TTUHSC faculty researchers as Senior Members.

Health

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Announced

TTUHSC is collaborating with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and has established the Big Cure Endowment, which supports the university’s efforts to reduce cancer incidence and increase survivability of people in rural and underserved areas.