What to do with a broken heart

From the end of a long-term relationship to being rejected after a brief passionate encounter, broken hearts can leave us bereft. Lost dreams. A loss of appetite. Begging for the beloved to return. A sense of despair.

Having “a broken heart” is also an anatomical reality — the condition is called takotsubo cardiomyopathy and was first reported in Japan in 1990; the heart actually changes shape. Other scientists argue that the “pain” one experiences after a broken heart is in place to encourage humans to maintain close relationships.

Why do they hurt so much? Is there anything to be learned from them? Are anti-depressants the way to go to escape the angst? What about when somebody dies or a friend betrays us? Join a philosopher, a poet, a divorce lawyer and a cardiologist as they explore the ins and outs of having broken heart, and offer some tips on how to manage them and recover to love another day.

THE SPEAKERS:

Robert Sinnerbrink is Associate Professor in Philosophy at Macquarie University and an ARC Future Fellowship recipient. Robert's research areas of interest include Continental Philosophy, philosophy of film, critical theory, aesthetics, romanticism and Heidegger. He’ll explore heart-break through the lens of some classic movies.

Eileen Chong is a poet based in Sydney and author of six books, including Painting Red Orchids, which charts a devastating separation. Her work has been short-listed for numerous awards, including the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and twice for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award. Chong will explore the various other ways our hearts get broken. 

Tony Iuliano works for Marsden's and has many years experience in commercial litigation and family law. An accredited Family Law Specialist, Tony sits on the Family Law and Ethics Committees of the Law Society of NSW and on the Human Research and Ethics Committee of Liverpool Hospital. He is also a part time lecturer at the University of Western Sydney where he teaches Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

Professor Geoffrey Tofler is a cardiologist. He worked for 13 years at Harvard Medical School Hospital in Boston, before returning to Royal North Shore Hospital in 1998 as a Senior Staff Specialist. Geoffrey is widely regarded in Australia and internationally for his research work in the causes of heart attack, and has studied links between bereavement and heart health.

PLEASE NOTE: If you can't pay the full ticket price, please get in touch and we arrange something.