What The Heart Wants: Exploring the Mental Health Impact of Valentine’s Day
It’s that time of year again – Valentine’s Day is here and for most people, it can be quite trying on their mental health.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, recently out of one, or joyfully coupled up, February can still be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.What mood Valentines Day puts us in has a lot to do with our individual perceptions and experiences around the holiday.
(That’s why we have to remember Valentine’s Day isn’t something that should make or break your happiness).
Don’t worry, though – we’re here to explore these challenges and help you make it through this February with your mental health intact!
Why Does Valentine's Day Affect Our Mental Health?
The month of February is known as the time of love. A time when Valentine’s Day, a holiday celebrated by couples who are in loving relationships, is in full bloom.
This “holiday” however can have a negative impression on those who may be single or not feeling loved at the moment.
But, have you ever stopped to wonder why Valentine’s day can have such an impact on our overall mental health? Let’s talk about it.
The Pressure to Perform
Valentine’s Day puts an enormous amount of pressure on those of us who are in relationships to make the day special for our partner. Although planning for this day can be enjoyable for some, for others it brings on extra pressure to perform or live up to certain expectations.
We feel obligated to perform at a certain level in order to make our partner happy and prove that we care about them.
This often leads to stress, anxiety, and disappointment when expectations aren’t met.
The Social Media Effect
Social media only adds to the pressure that many people feel on this day. Everyone has their own way of celebrating which can leave some feeling left out or inadequate if they don’t have the same experience as someone else.
People tend to post what they think will get them likes or followers instead of posting something genuine that reflects how they really feel about their relationship or lack thereof.
This can breed feelings of envy and FOMO (fear of missing out) which can take a toll on mental health.
Amplified Feelings of Loneliness:
Despite being a time of expressed love and appreciation, Valentine’s Day can often lead to increased feelings of loneliness for those who are single, in an unhappy relationship, or facing separation.
February, an already cold and gloomy month for many, can become especially isolating for those struggling with mental health issues caused by an empty valentines day.
For many individuals around the world, Valentine’s day may amplify these feelings of loneliness, leading to an increased risk of depression or other forms of mental health issues.
However, it is important to remember that Valentine’s Day is not singularly responsible for any damage done to our mental wellbeing – sometimes all it takes is just one little push to trigger something bigger.
What Can You Do If You’re Feeling Sad On Valentine's Day?
If you find yourself feeling down on February 14th, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to show yourself some love.
Let’s explore a few of the best ways to take care of yourself when you’re feeling sad on Valentine’s Day.
Take Time For Self-Care
Self-care is more important than ever on days like Valentine’s Day when emotions can be running high.
Why not treat yourself to a spa day?
Put away your phone and take time for yourself. Spend an hour reading a book, taking a bath, or doing yoga. The goal is just to focus on what makes you feel good and relaxed without any outside distractions.
Surround Yourself With Love
Finally, make sure that you’re spending quality time with people who bring joy into your life—people who make you laugh and lift up your mood when they’re around!
Reach out to friends or family members whom you haven’t talked to in awhile and plan something fun together like going out for dinner or catching the latest movie in theaters.
This is also a great way to show them that they matter even if the holiday isn’t focused on celebrating them specifically!
Is It Normal To Feel Sad On Valentine's Day?
The short answer? Yes!
Feeling sadness or loneliness on Valentine’s Day is a normal human emotion, even for people who are in relationships.
February can be a hard month, with gloomy weather and short days. For some, having to make it through Valentine’s Day can bring feelings of overwhelm and distract from their mental health.
Even if you don’t have someone special to share the day with, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone; most people around the world feel less than excited prior to valentine’s day due to its many expectations.
Take care of yourself by perceiving it as a time to heal your emotional wounds and work on your mental wellbeing instead of focusing on romantic aspects.
All In All:
As February is in full swing, it might bring along feelings of loneliness and depression as we are bombarded with images and messages meant to celebrate love.
It is important to remember that Valentine’s Day does not define you; if you don’t feel like participating in the festivities, it is perfectly valid to take steps towards self-care like spending time with family and friends outside of Valentine’s Day expectations.
It is important to acknowledge how Valentine’s Day can affect your mental health, but also remember that valentine’s day does not have to be the sole focus for celebrating love – throughout the year there are plenty of other opportunities to express love for yourself and others.
Resources:
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