a broken heart

A broken heart (or heartbreak) is a common metaphor used to describe the intense psychological pain one feels after losing a loved one, through death, divorce, or other means.

Heartbreak is usually associated with losing a spouse or lover, though losing a parent, child, or close friend can also "break one's heart". According to The Lancet, it was found that the risk of death increases by up to a fifth in people who had their hearts broken.