Lovesick: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'lovesick' combines 'love' and 'sick' to express the feeling of emotional distress due to romance.
• The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, showing how long people have experienced these feelings.
• Historically, it has often been linked to unrequited love—when someone loves another person, but that love isn't returned.

Literature

• Shakespeare often wrote about lovesickness, showcasing characters who felt deeply affected by their love interests.
• In romantic poetry, being lovesick can symbolize deep passion and longing, often leading to beautiful art and expressions of love.
• The theme appears in many novels where a character's heartbreak drives the story forward, illustrating how powerful these feelings can be.

Psychology

• Studies suggest that lovesickness can trigger similar brain responses as physical pain, highlighting intense emotional reactions.
• Being lovesick often includes symptoms such as anxiety, lack of concentration, and changes in appetite or sleep, like other forms of distress.
• The brain releases dopamine when we're in love, which can lead to euphoric feelings, but its absence during heartbreak can lead to depression.

Pop Culture

• Many popular songs describe the feeling of lovesickness, often capturing the longing and sadness that comes with it.
• Movies frequently feature lovesick characters, highlighting how their emotional struggles can create tension or humor in the narrative.
• Social media allows people to share their lovesick experiences, often in humorous or relatable ways, creating a sense of community.

Health

• Excessive lovesickness can impact physical health, leading some to seek therapy or support to manage their feelings.
• Practicing self-care can help alleviate the emotional burden of lovesickness, emphasizing the importance of mental health.
• Unexpectedly, lovesickness has been linked to some physical ailments, as emotional stress can manifest in the body.