While I know everyone goes through breakups and that everyone feels like they are somewhat unique, I’ve really struggled with finding a situation like mine to take some comfort from. My ex (F23) and I (M24) have just started the no contact phase a few days ago, after a really drawn out period of a few weeks where we weren’t together, but were still talking and seeing each other. We also spent Jan 1st - Jan 3rd together, and it was the most magical couple of days.

Essentially, my ex (who is usually a very bubbly, extroverted, and overall happy person) has been struggling with depression as a result of a few external factors, particularly a car accident that wrote off her car several months prior, as well as a toxic work environment. This then led her down a rabbit hole of depression and anxiety, leading her to feel that her happiness had taken a nose dive overall. She says that as she isn’t happy with herself, she struggled to be happy in the relationship as well, whilst also struggling to put in the effort needed to properly sustain a relationship and therefore feels she needs a few months to be by herself and learn to love herself again. She has said that this isn’t about chasing other people or wanting something else, and while I am conscious that it might be naive of me, I really do believe her.

Personally, I don’t think a bit of time apart will help her heal, I think she needs a lot more proactive therapy to work through her issues (which she’s hesitant to do, largely due to financial costs of psychological treatment). And my gut does tell me that she will come back eventually. It is abundantly clear to me that we both love and care for each other, but I am still petrified that it might not eventuate again. I know nobody here is a fortune teller, but I’m grasping at straws - does it sound like I have a chance at getting her back? Does anyone have any similar stories to mine?