Valentine’s Day is a holiday that brings about mixed emotions. You could be single and resentful, or single and happy. You could be in a happy relationship or an unhealthy one. Either way, lots of people end up experiencing Valentine’s Day depression during the month of February.
Depression on Valentine’s Day isn’t uncommon. One in ten Americans experience problems with depression. You may not feel like you are depressed, but there can be some subtle symptoms to indicate Valentine’s Day Depression — those can be feeling sorry for yourself, lack of energy, feeling alone, and hating love in general.
Whatever the reason is for those Valentine’s Day blues, here are some tips to overcome it:
Show Love to Yourself
You can treat Valentine’s Day like any other day, or you can show some love to yourself and others. Give yourself a spa day or make yourself a care package. Do something for yourself to make you feel loved. You can buy some flowers and chocolates or treat yourself to your favorite meal. Foods like chocolate or healthier items such as fruits and nuts can boost your mood with the chemicals you need to feel happy. Try a new hobby, like hiking or something more creative, like painting. Anything that involves creativity offers an outlet for anyone to express their emotions.
Give Love to ALL Your Relationships
Your loved ones, your friends, your pets, even your coworkers. Give them a call or buy them a gift. By showing love to those around you, you can feel love for yourself. Supporting others and being kind can help you feel good. Even showing kindness to random strangers by opening a door for them can increase serotonin — the happy hormone. Smile at someone who seems to be having a bad day as a random act of kindness. Not only will you be satisfied, but so will that person you helped.
Avoid Social Media
The more you focus on other people and what they’re doing, the more your mental health will decline. To be social, interact with people who also have problems with depression on Valentine’s Day. Join a support group and chat about your emotions. While it feels like everyone is in a relationship, remember that you’re not the only person who isn’t. If you still want to go on social media, repost happy memories or posts about something you are grateful for. Remind yourself about the things that make you happy.
Plan a Fun Night with Friends
Your single friends can be feeling down about being alone on Valentine’s Day as well. Host a Zoom movie night and watch some romantic comedies. Play some online games and have fun with each other. You can also pick up the phone and chat. Please don’t feel like you have to be alone on a day where it seems like everyone has someone.
Do Some Journaling
Our experts at Core Recovery say that journaling can help you release any negative emotions you have. Write about how you’re feeling and track your mood so you can learn more about yourself. Look back now and then on what you’ve written and see how you’ve grown! Please read our blog post about journaling here: Journaling for your Mental Health.
What if I’m not single on Valentine’s Day?
This year is different for many people. The usual Valentine’s Day date involves a romantic movie and an activity afterward. However, due to the pandemic and social distancing, the usual can’t happen. Some couples can’t celebrate this holiday together, so we recommend a virtual dinner date, a movie for some bonding time, or even just a video call can go a long way for both of you. You can still enjoy the presence of your loved ones even though they’re not there with you.
Beating Valentine’s Day Depression
As much as you tell yourself that Valentine’s Day is a silly holiday, the emotions that it brings about can be overwhelming. For some people, Valentine’s Day is a cruel reminder of what they are missing or what they’ve lost. However, there are people who care about you and want to be happy. Reach out and tell someone how you feel today. You’re not alone, and these emotions that you feel are valid. This holiday doesn’t have to remind you about the negative. Core Recovery offers treatment options such as CBT and mindfulness to help you with your depression in and caring environment — judgment free.
Our website offers more information about the symptoms of depression and how we can help. If your Valentine’s Day Depression lingers or resurfaces throughout the year, please contact us.
Recovery is possible. Let us help you get there.