Dealing with Valentine’s Day Depression

Valentine’s Day is often considered a “cruel holiday” for many individuals. Despite being a day meant to celebrate love, it can trigger feelings of loneliness and depression for a variety of reasons. 

Whether you’re single and feeling lonely, in an unhealthy relationship, have lost a loved one, or feel unloved, Valentine’s Day can serve as a painful reminder of what is missing. Even if you do not understand why you are feeling down, or if you are trying to support a loved one who is feeling depressed, the emotions brought on by this holiday can be intense. Despite acknowledging Valentine’s Day as a made-up holiday, the impact it has on people’s mental health should not be ignored.

What to Do When You Are Feeling Depressed

As Valentine’s Day approaches, rather than focusing on the underlying causes of your depression, you can instead concentrate on ways to manage the emotions that this holiday can bring. It is normal to experience emotions like rejection that can shape our inner lives and, at times, feel intense. However, remember that these emotions are temporary and will eventually fade away with time.

Treat and date yourself. 

Spend Valentine’s Day doing things that make you feel good and bring you joy. Whether it’s getting a pedicure, watching a happy movie, or doing yoga, prioritize self-care. You can also do things that do not require spending, like lighting a candle, reading a book, taking a bath, or writing yourself a letter of love. Be mindful of who you interact with and limit exposure to those who may make you feel bad about being alone on Valentine’s Day. Keep in mind that choosing to prioritize your own self-care and well-being is an act of self-love. This prevents you from being swallowed by depression or anxiety. 

Spend time with your family.

If you have a positive relationship with your family, this can be the solution to lifting your spirits. Your parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings are likely to appreciate hearing from you on any day, including Valentine’s Day. Reach out to them and express your love. If you have children, celebrate the day with them by having a party. Prepare a special meal, eat ice cream, or play games—do whatever creates a fun and enjoyable experience together.

Hang out with friends.  

There is a misconception that the holiday is only for couples, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. To combat this, consider gathering with friends for a group date-night. Go to your favorite restaurant, have a potluck at home, or exchange valentines. Don’t let financial constraints or mandates get in the way of having a good time with good company, food, and laughter.

Do something special for somebody. 

Volunteering can bring a sense of satisfaction, so consider giving your time on Valentine’s Day to support a cause that is important to you. This could be as simple as cleaning up litter in your community or treating someone in need to a meal. You can also offer to babysit for a friend who wants to have a special evening or assist at an animal shelter. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show kindness.

Avoid dangerous consumption.

When faced with emotions such as rejection, sadness, or isolation, it can be alluring to turn to unhealthy and dangerous consumption such as alcohol to numb them. Although these may bring temporary comfort, their long-term consequences can lead to greater issues, including hindering the natural resolution of unpleasant emotions. Doing this will only worsen what you feel and may even lead you to depression and anxiety. You may have to consider going to a therapy near me to help you out in battling this unhealthy habit. 

Write down your feelings. 

According to experts, journaling is beneficial for your mental health. It eases your symptoms of depression. By writing, you are engaging the rational and analytical side of your brain, allowing your emotional and intuitive sides to express feelings. This can help you gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, and yourself. You can write freely and choose to either keep, throw away, or revisit your journal entries. 

Try positive self-talk.

The way you perceive events has an impact on your emotions toward them. For example, instead of thinking, “All of my relationships have failed,” try changing your thoughts to a more positive outlook, such as, “I haven’t found the right person yet.” Similarly, instead of assuming, “I’ll never meet anyone else,” adopt a more objective and optimistic approach by reminding yourself, “I’ve had five romantic relationships in my life, so there’s no reason to believe this will be my last.” By approaching our experiences from a positive perspective, we can alter our viewpoint on loss.

Seek support groups online. 

It is possible that scrolling through romantic posts on your social media feed today could exacerbate negative emotions and cause feelings of inadequacy or loss. To combat this, consider seeking out supportive social media groups that understand what you’re going through and can provide comfort. Social media can also be a valuable tool for connecting with your own support network, which can offer encouragement and empathy. Keep in mind that you’re not alone in your feelings.

Seek professional help.

If you experience increased feelings of sadness and distress around Valentine’s Day or if you’re struggling with the loss of a relationship or loved one, it may be beneficial to seek depression therapy near me. Talking to a licensed and understanding therapist can help you work through your emotions in a healthy way and find a path towards acceptance. Visit Mindshift Psychological Services to help you manage symptoms of depression. You may also check out our website or contact us at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.