15 Signs You Have Lovesickness and How to Deal With It

Ever find yourself daydreaming endlessly about someone special, feeling like they’re the only thing on your mind?

Or maybe your heart skips a beat at the mere thought of them, yet it feels a bit overwhelming, too. Lovesickness can be an exhilarating but also exhausting experience!

Those butterflies, those endless thoughts, the way everything else fades into the background… it’s a unique kind of intensity. But it isn’t always just the good feelings; sometimes, it’s also sleepless nights, anxious days, and an ache that never seems to ease.

“Is it normal to feel this way?” you might wonder.

When love becomes all-consuming, it can be hard to balance those big emotions with everyday life. Lovesickness is real—filled with ups and downs—and while it’s an intense journey, there are ways to bring a bit more calm back into your heart.

What does lovesickness mean?

First thing first, what is lovesickness?

Lovesickness is a hopeless and helpless biological feeling connected with a love experience. It can stem from various situations, either positive or negative ones.

For instance, someone can experience lovesick symptoms when they lose their partner to death. On the other hand, you can be lovesick if you miss your partner because they are far away.

When the love you have for someone causes anxiety, depression, or other disturbing mental or physical issues, you are lovesick.

Many people have experienced lovesickness in different ways, and not everyone can bounce back. You can experience different feelings like jealousy, attachment anxiety, etc.

15 possible signs of lovesickness

Lovesickness—it can sweep over you when you least expect it!

So, what does it feel like to be lovesick?

It’s a mix of excitement, longing, and a bit of overwhelm. Sometimes, these feelings are subtle; other times, they’re hard to ignore.

But how do you know if it’s truly lovesickness?

Here are a few signs that might feel all too familiar.

1. Mood swings

Experiencing mood swings is one of the symptoms of lovesickness. At some point, you will be unable to tell why you are feeling sad and depressed. 

Also, you might feel happy and full of life without understanding the reason for your joy. Therefore, if you have mood swings regularly, you might be lovesick.

2. Isolation

Sometimes, lovesick people prefer to be isolated instead of being around people. Nothing interests them anymore, so they shut out people around them.

Also, if you are beginning to feel that people around you don’t understand you, you might be lovesick.

3. Constant tiredness

When we experience mental stress, it affects us physically. For example, someone who is lovesick will feel tired most of the time when trying to do anything physically. Even the activities you enjoy will feel like a chore because your physical strength is low.

4. Loss of appetite

If your appetite has not been stable for a while, you might be lovesick. Usually, the reason is your mind is fixated on the love situation you are going through, and you barely have time to eat. Even if you eat, you will prefer to feed on junk instead of well-cooked meals.

According to Grady Shumway, a licensed mental health counselor:

A loss of appetite, especially for well-balanced meals, could be a sign of lovesickness. When your mind is consumed by thoughts of love, you may find it difficult to focus on eating properly, often preferring junk food or skipping meals altogether.

5. Eating too much

Not everyone loses their appetite when they are lovesick; some overeat.

You will discover that you eat more than you are supposed to. This will make you heavy and filled up, making it impossible for you to do other things.

6. You get easily distracted

Someone who is lovesick will find it hard to concentrate on anything. Their attention span is deficient because they are focused on something else.

In addition, this would prevent you from being productive because you would not be able to concentrate on the tasks or activities in front of you.

7. You stalk your love interest

Stalking is one of the standard features of lovesick people. You will find yourself monitoring their lifestyle both online and offline.

Also, you become obsessed with whatever they are doing, and you begin to wish that you were carried along.

Even though they are not in touch, you keep checking your inbox to see if they have messaged you. So you will spend several hours keeping up with their activities so that you have a life to live.

8. You treasure their belongings

If you suspect you’re lovesick, one of the signs to confirm is that you still keep their belongings. A lovesick person will hold on to their ex’s personal belongings so that they can keep in touch with them.

Even if you don’t keep their belongings, you may store their online items, such as pictures, video clips, audio recordings, etc. You will probably not ditch these belongings because they mean so much to you.

9. You always overanalyze

When someone is lovesick, they cannot read the surface meaning of anything. They spend long hours trying to encrypt the hidden meanings behind words, actions, and even body language.

Also, when their love interest does anything to them, they spend time trying to analyze the meaning. Lovesick people try to see things from various perspectives. And usually, they end up with no definite and precise answer.

10. You don’t sleep well

Lovesick people can struggle with insomnia, which might be chronic sometimes. You will find it difficult to sleep because you constantly think about and monitor them.

While you close your eyes, the only images you see belong to your love interest.

11. You get confused

Confusion is a phase where things become unclear and unsure. For example, if you have asked what lovesickness is, it comes with confusion. 

You will lose orientation about many things, and the ability to mentally connect or interpret anything will be temporarily absent.

In addition, you will discover that your consciousness is disordered, and recalling some past events would be difficult.

12. Feeling of dizziness

Another sign of lovesickness is feeling dizzy, which can take different forms. For example, you might feel fainting or your head spinning. Sometimes, it might look like your environment is spinning around you.

Even though there are many possible causes of lovesickness, experiencing this feeling alongside other signs in this context is a symptom of being lovesick.

13. Feeling of Nausea

Another sign of lovesickness is the feeling of discomfort and uneasiness that nudges you to vomit.

Nausea is a painless symptom associated with lovesickness. Sometimes, it is associated with other physical or mental health issues from lovesickness.

14. Restlessness

When you are lovesick, you might find it hard to keep your cool. You will discover that you are restless about little or nothing.

Also, you will find yourself jumping from one activity to the other without completing them. You will realize that it would be hard to remain productive.

15. Insecurity

Another common sign of lovesickness is insecurity. You will begin to think of people who are possible competitors for your love interest. 

When you stalk them on social media and notice someone appearing too often on their feed, you begin to suspect that your crush is slipping out of your hands.

Since lovesickness has physical health implications, you can check out this study that provides a robust exploration into the presence of lovesickness.

What are the causes of lovesickness?

Lovesickness is the unpleasant feeling associated with loving someone, and it can stem from different situations.

For instance, if you love someone and are unable to connect with you emotionally, it can cause lovesickness because you will feel rejected and not good enough.

This lovesick feeling can occur for a long time until you get over it. Also, if you want to experience love generally and don’t feel it yet, you can become a lovesick.

Just as Grady Shumway explains:

Lovesickness can arise from situations like unrequited love or a longing for emotional connection.

Feeling rejected or inadequate in a romantic relationship can contribute to this distressing state, persisting until you overcome the attachment. Additionally, simply yearning for love without experiencing it firsthand can also lead to lovesickness.

9 practical ways to deal with lovesickness

Lovesickness can feel overwhelming like your heart and mind are stuck in a loop that’s impossible to turn off. Learning how to deal with lovesickness can help bring balance back to your life, even when every thought keeps drifting back to that one person.

With a few thoughtful steps, you can ease the intensity of these emotions, giving yourself space to breathe, focus, and regain a sense of calm.

1. Acknowledge your feelings

The first step in how to deal with lovesickness is recognizing it. Lovesickness is a real emotional state, so it’s okay to admit that it’s impacting you.

By naming these feelings, you’re giving yourself permission to experience them without judgment. This honesty with yourself allows you to understand better what you’re going through, making it easier to take steps toward feeling more balanced.

2. Focus on self-care

When lovesickness takes over, it’s easy to forget to care for yourself. Take time for activities that help you feel grounded and nurtured, like enjoying a hot bath, exercising, or cooking your favorite meal.

Self-care can be as simple as getting enough sleep or taking breaks when you need them. These small acts remind you that your well-being matters and can ease the intensity of your emotions.

3. Limit contact with the person

It might feel difficult, but limiting contact can help you gain perspective. Whether it’s avoiding messages or taking a break from social media, creating some distance can help you feel less overwhelmed.

This doesn’t mean you need to cut ties completely—it’s just about giving yourself the space to breathe and process. Gradually, this distance can help soften those intense feelings.

4. Talk to a friend or loved one

Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can be incredibly comforting. Often, simply talking through what you’re experiencing can help lighten the weight you’re carrying.

Friends or family can offer support, a listening ear, or advice when you need it. Sometimes, they may help you see things in a new light, reminding you that you’re not alone in this experience.

5. Keep yourself busy with hobbies

Engaging in hobbies or activities you love can help redirect your energy in a positive way. Whether it’s reading, painting, playing an instrument, or even trying something new, hobbies can offer a welcome distraction.

They can help you reconnect with your interests and passions, allowing you to regain a sense of joy that isn’t tied to the person you’re missing.

6. Journal your thoughts and feelings

Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful release. When you’re lovesick, it’s easy to feel trapped in your head, replaying the same thoughts.

Journaling gives you a safe space to express your feelings without judgment. Sometimes, putting words to your emotions can help you understand them better, give you a bit of clarity, and help you move forward.

7. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness can help ground you when lovesickness feels overwhelming. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or tune into the present moment can bring a sense of calm.

Mindfulness helps you observe your feelings without getting swept up in them, teaching you to accept them as they are. This practice can make lovesickness feel less consuming over time.

8. Remind yourself of personal goals

It’s easy to lose sight of your own goals when someone else is on your mind. Take some time to reconnect with what you want for yourself—whether it’s a career goal, a personal project, or simply something you’ve always wanted to try.

Focusing on your aspirations can help you return your attention to what matters to you, giving you a renewed sense of purpose beyond lovesickness.

Watch this TEDx Talk where John Doerr explains why the secret to success is setting the right goals:

9. Give yourself time

Healing from lovesickness is a process, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time. You don’t have to rush or expect immediate relief. Allowing yourself time acknowledges that your feelings are valid and won’t disappear overnight.

Gradually, as you continue taking care of yourself and focusing on other aspects of life, you’ll find that the intensity of lovesickness begins to fade naturally.

To sum up

Lovesickness can feel like a whirlwind—one moment thrilling, the next, a bit too much to handle. If you’re experiencing it, know these feelings are a natural part of the human experience!

It’s okay to have your heart a little tangled up; love can be powerful, and sometimes it just takes time to find your balance. By recognizing the signs and trying out ways to manage them, you can gradually ease the intensity and find peace within.

Remember, these emotions won’t last forever… with a bit of patience and self-care, you’ll feel more grounded before you know it.