Trying to heal a broken heart is never easy, and almost never happens quickly. When you are hurt and confused, it feels like it will last forever, though a few suggestions might help you get through it easier.

The very first thing you need to accept is that your relationship is over. You won't be able to start the healing process until you have accepted it. The second most important thing you need to realize, is that nobody else is responsible for your happiness. You have to be in control of your life, and only you can find happiness again.

Don't expect it to happen overnight. A broken heart always takes time to heal, so be patient. Rushing out to find a new partner will make things worse, and drag out your healing time. You could even find yourself getting hurt once again, and making things worse. Spend time with your family and friends, both to help keep your mind off your ex and just for the emotional support they can provide. Though friends are important, be careful of any mutual friends that you and your ex both have. It can be a painful reminder of your ex, and you should try not to talk about your past relationship even though it may seem like the natural thing to discuss.

Here are 10 suggestions that can help you get over your broken relationship, and heal your broken heart:

1. Don't live in the past - You can learn from your mistakes, but don't spend all your time going over all the things you should have done that may have saved the relationship. You're just beating yourself up over something you cannot change.

2. Don't hope your ex will return - You can't look to the future as long as you keep hoping for something that will most likely not happen. You can't start to heal until you accept that your ex is gone.

3. Keep active - Do pretty much anything to keep yourself from dwelling on your ex. Make time for a hobby, take up yoga, join a sports team, go to the gym or volunteer for a local organization or cause. You'll feel better about yourself, and it will make it easier to look forward.

4. Love yourself- Treat yourself to things you enjoy. It will boost your mood and help get your confidence back. You need to take care of your physical self as well as your emotional self. Eat well, get lots of sleep and try to drink plenty of water. You'll look better, which will make you feel better.

5. Don't hold it in - Whenever you are really down, go ahead and let yourself cry it out. It's a sad time, and you should let yourself express those emotions.

6. Find a professional - A few sessions of professional therapy can make a world of difference.

7. Don't snoop - Though tempting, stay away from your ex's Facebook or Myspace page. Its just going to hurt you, and make it all that harder to get over them. Block their accounts if you have to, or even delete your own account while you are going through this. Your friends will understand.

8. Write in a diary - With everything going through your head, you can sift through your thoughts better if you write them down. Start a journal, and use it to express how you are feeling.

9. Communication - Your ex is gone, and you need to keep it that way. Don't call, email or text. You'll never get over them if you are talking (or writing) to them everyday.

10. Stay single - Getting into a rebound relationship is just asking for more heart-ache and is not worth the trouble. You have a lot of negative feelings to deal with, and another relationship is no place to deal with them.

Last Tips for a Broken Heart

Everyone is different, and these tips above may not work well for everyone. Give them a try and see what makes you feel better. Stick to the tips that work for you.

After a long-term serious relationship, you may take as long as a year or two to fully get over it. Don't expect to heal in just a few weeks, and be patient. In the end, you'll be a stronger person for it.