As the winter months gave way to a new year, Valentine’s Day quickly became inevitable. Whether you’re single or taken, many of us can feel overwhelmed by all its grand expectations and societal pressures. It might be easy to forget that this holiday is really just an opportunity to celebrate all kinds of love that can be shared. Above all else, this is an opportunity for everyone – no matter their relationship status –to show some much needed tender loving care (TLC) towards themselves.
Of course, for some, the constant reminders of romance on Valentine’s Day can be a difficult day that triggers feelings of loneliness or sadness for those without partners. If you’re feeling down about being single or struggling with mental health issues, here are some tips for managing your mental health and overcoming Valentine’s Day depression.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s normal to feel emotions such as envy, sadness, or loneliness on Valentine’s Day if you are single. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do. Instead, acknowledge your feelings, accept them, and give yourself permission to feel them. Remember that all emotions pass eventually, so don’t worry about how long they will last—just let them come and go in their own time.
Make plans with friends and family
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic relationships – it’s also about connecting with loved ones and celebrating friendships. Make plans ahead of time so that you have something to look forward to and know that someone has your back. Watch a movie together, eat dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just hang out and talk.
Even if your friends aren’t available to spend the day with you in person, talking over the phone or video chat can help break up the monotony of being at home alone all day. Doing something special with people who care about you will help you feel good and lift your spirits.
Practice self-care
Valentine’s Day is a great time to focus on yourself and make sure your needs are being met. Take some time away from social media so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the posts about couples in love.
Spend the day indulging in activities like reading, taking a long bath, or watching your favorite movie. Or try something new like trying out a new recipe or starting a craft project. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it brings joy into your life. After all, doing something that brings joy into your life is an important part of managing your mental health.
Take time off from social media
If scrolling through social media feeds full of couples celebrating their love leaves you feeling discouraged or isolated on Valentine’s Day, consider taking a break from social media altogether. Unplugging from technology can give you some much-needed time away from the “compare trap” and allow you to focus on self-care! Spend the day engaging in activities that make you happy such as reading a book in bed or going on an adventure outdoors – without worrying about what others may think or post online.
Practice mindfulness meditation and gratitude
It’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety and stress of comparing ourselves to others and measuring our own worth against what other people have achieved in their lives. But Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to practice mindfulness meditation and gratitude by reflecting on what we already have instead of what we don’t have yet.
Take a few minutes each day leading up to Valentine’s Day (and beyond) to sit quietly and focus on bringing awareness into your body, mind, and heart while counting your blessings along the way. This will help cultivate positive thoughts instead of negative ones.
Reach out for support
Reach out to those around you who are willing to listen and engage in conversation about how you’re feeling during this time. Talking about your thoughts and emotions about romantic love and any feelings you associate with this day will help release any built-up tension or stress from experiencing such intense emotions during this season. Plus, someone else being able to understand what you’re going through is sure to give relief.
If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time of year, and it’s important to have the right resources available if things get too overwhelming.
Take care of yourself and your mental health
Remember to practice self-care and compassion. If you or somebody you know needs assistance in dealing with mental health issues, please reach out for support. You’ll always find someone at Nao Medical willing to lend an ear and offer some assistance. Whether through mental health counseling, safe and effective medical treatments, or taking care of your overall health and wellness, our medical experts are always ready to help and make the journey a far gentler experience.
No matter how Valentine’s Day plays out for you, the most important thing is to take care of yourself. Show yourself some love and kindness this Valentine’s Day – you are worth it!
