Valentine's Day and Depression

You know, they say that Christmas is hard and the family holidays, but one of the hardest I think is Valentine’s Day, especially if you have recently lost someone or just simply don’t have a love at the moment. It can be a day of self-reflection and loathing, which is magnified by the depression. But it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to combat the added blue of the reddest of holidays and I will share a few things with you.

First of all, know that you aren’t the only one out there without someone. There are millions of people who will spend the day alone and many of those won’t be that much more the sadder for it. It’s all about perspective. The problem with depression as we all know is that it often makes one obsess over negativity, replaying why one is alone over and over. That is why distraction is crucial. Find something that you enjoy doing. Many people say that there is nothing they enjoy when they have the disease, but I’ve known many people who are seriously depressed all around, myself included, but still find at least some degree of peace in a hobby or watching movies or playing video games. I find that wiping out zombies in Dead Island takes the edge off sometimes when I am frustrated or sad. It gets the adrenaline and endorphins up.

And if you do have to obsess, think about how inane Valentine’s Day really is. It is one day on the calendar that some fool decided should be dedicated to love and spending a ton of money on that significant other. To me, having the money for the right present, the right clothes, picking a restaurant, etc, is all pretty stressful. More stressful than watching a TV show or taking a nice warm bath to relax. At least those that are alone don’t have to worry about that pressure.

And consider this. There is plenty of time to get to that stage. Love happens when you least expect it. It certainly doesn’t happen on a schedule and so even though this one day in February is allocated, you could meet that someone the following day. It’s not about the days, but the span of life. Think of Valentine’s Day as just another day of the week. Spend it as you normally would, visit family, see something you may have never saw before, treat yourself to a day of pampering. Whatever makes you feel better. And don’t dwell on what you don’t have, but consider the blessings you do have in your life.

These are the things that have worked for me. They aren’t a cure, of course, but they can help you get through what is perceived as a solemn day in Cupid’s court.

image by Spider72