At first, breakups seem like the worst-case scenario.

They’re tough to go through, no matter how you look at them.

Once a breakup has been finalized, sometimes the immense pain and burden of understanding that the person you spent so much time with—so much time caring for—will never be the same person to you again.

Sometimes, the pain people feel after a breakup is so intense, it’s akin to grieving over a family member who has just recently died.

People fresh out of breakups often feel like they’re never going to get over the person they’ve lost as a lover.

Even though it’s a painful pill to swallow, that is not true.

Despite the way you feel in the midst of a breakup, you will become stronger.

You will overcome the depression, and you will get better.

As much as it hurts to think about, it’s important to analyze why the breakup happened in the first place.

If the breakup was amicable and mutual, think about the reasons you and your significant other had to break up. Think about what they are and why they were made.

Also, be thankful that the breakup was friendly.

Even though your relationship will inevitably be changed forever, consider the possibility that you both can still remain friends.

It’s so hard to say goodbye; sometimes remaining friends is the happiest ending two people post-breakup can have.

Now, if your breakup wasn’t an amicable one, as hard as it sounds, try to look on the bright side.

People often say everything happens for a reason.

While the abuse you may have gone through was never necessary, the pain showed you the light.

The pain uncovered an undeniable truth: You and your ex really weren’t soulmates.

Moreover, even if you felt something real with the person, it was never really meant to be if you both decided to break the relationship off.

Here are just a couple things to keep in mind when trying to recover from a breakup: Again, you will be OK again.

First, we know it seems like it’s the end of the world, but give it some time.

We wouldn’t be surprised if after just a week, you felt so much better than the dreadful day the relationship got cut off.

Second, don’t block out the happy memories if you don’t have to.

If your relationship was a horrible one in retrospect—one where you were abused or neglected—you may want to forget the past.

You need to focus on the present and how to be the best you. Sometimes, that means forgetting about the relationship, even the happy parts.

If the relationship was a good one and you do have lots of happy memories, don’t be afraid to hold on to them.

You were genuinely happy during that time, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of now that you and your ex have separated.

Last, don’t be afraid to look for someone else.

Sometimes the only way to completely mend from a breakup is to find someone else.

We understand that it’s been a long time since you put yourself out there, but when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to show off what makes you awesome.

You will recover; you will be OK.