Rejection hurts. It's incredibly painful to feel like you're not wanted — and we do mean painful. Researchers found that we relate rejection to being "hurt," using terms like "crushed" or "broken-hearted." So, why does rejection trigger such a strong response, and is there any way to cope with this unique kind of pain? Explore common strategies to help you process this emotional experience. [Directed Caitlin McCarthy, narrated Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

 TED-Ed: How to deal with rejection

How to deal with rejection

Rejection activates brain areas linked to physical pain, revealing our descriptions of heartache are more than metaphorical.

Rejection taps into brain areas processing physical pain, highlighting emotional and physical parallels in our experiences.

Understanding rejection's impact: Reflecting on relationships and self-perception can mitigate its emotional toll and foster growth.