It can be frustrating, upsetting, and anger-inducing to be ghosted. While it usually happens in romantic partnerships, ghosting can occur in a variety of platonic relationships and in the workplace. Because this term is relatively new and the way it is experienced is constantly evolving, healing from being ghosted can feel especially taxing.

Knowing when you’ve been ghosted

Ghosting is defined as having someone remove themselves from your life, ending all contact or communication with you without any explanation. One study found that nearly 25% of adults have experienced being ghosted. Another 22% admitted to having ghosted someone else. If you find yourself questioning why you were ghosted, know that you’re not alone. Half of the people who said they’d been ghosted before questioned why it happened. 

This can happen days, weeks, months, or even years into a relationship. No matter the time spent on building the relationship, ghosting can hurt deeply. So, how do we heal?

Dealing with being ghosted

The first step on the path toward healing is acknowledging what hurts and why. It may be that the hurt isn’t from losing the person but from losing the potential of what could have been. Naming this pain gives you an outlet for your feelings.

At the end of the day, know that being ghosted says more about the person who disappeared than it does about who you are. While it’s okay and natural to feel sad, if you need help working through these emotions, there is no shame in taking care of your mental health by contacting a therapist.

At Valley Oaks Health, we want you to live life to the fullest. Feeling mentally well is a large part of your wellbeing. We have various options for counseling and support groups that can support you throughout this journey, so reach out today.