I think it gets easier as you obtain experience. If you deal with a breakup once, the next one is easier. You have a better understanding of what is going to happen, you learn how to better deal with it, etc. However as you get older you don't deal with the same things over and over. You consistently have to deal with new and more tragic things and sometimes by yourself. One of my friend's parents died within a few years of one another. When his mom died, my friend was hurting but alright - he also had his father to lean on and help with the process. When his dad died he was an absolute mess. Even though he had dealt with it once, the next time was far harder on him.
I can see that. When both parents are gone, you are an orphan. There's nothing between you and death. I hope your friend is doing better. As for relationships, it's all hard. But it does get easier when you meet someone that you decide you'll stay with. There are always flaws, difficulties, and problems but when you decide someone is a keeper, it gets easier. The author Shalom Auslander said that when his son was born, suicide was off the table. I imagine life gets in some ways easier when you decide that whatever happens, you are not going to off yourself.