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Valentine’s day is here (in case you haven’t already noticed by the inundation of hearts, flowers, and candy in stores). For many people it is a day of celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. For others, Valentine’s Day is a depressing reminder that they are single or perhaps […]
Valentine’s day is here (in case you haven’t already noticed by the inundation of hearts, flowers, and candy in stores). For many people it is a day of celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. For others, Valentine’s Day is a depressing reminder that they are single or perhaps grieving the recent loss of a loved one.
If you are celebrating today alone this year, here are a few ways to have a fulfilling Valentine’s Day.
It’s bad enough to feel lonely, but it’s even worse to scold yourself for doing so. Loneliness is not an indication that you’re doing anything wrong or that there is something wrong and unlovable about you.
Even people that are in relationships can feel incredibly lonely. Loneliness affects everyone at some point in their life. It’s not a sin to feel this way, so stop scolding yourself.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday to show love. No one says that love must be shown in a romantic way.
This is a great time to show your affection and appreciation for the wonderful people in your life. Get your best friend a box of chocolates or your mom a bouquet of flowers. Put a card on your neighbor’s windshield and your coworker’s computer monitor. Buy your pet a new toy or treat. Give your child a special treat.
You can be filled with love by being loved, and you can be filled with love by loving others. The more love YOU show today, the more love you will feel inside. You will be amazed at how the loneliness quickly slips away when you are full of love.
Don’t let the commercialism of the holiday make you feel alone and isolated. You can have a lovely Valentine’s day if you love yourself and others.
How many times during the year do you make a real effort to show yourself love? If you’re like most people, you don’t really think much about how you treat yourself.
This Valentine’s Day, if you find yourself a party of one, try and make the best of it by focusing all of your love and attention on yourself. Take yourself out to a nice dinner. Or, if you don’t like the idea of sitting at a table alone surrounded by couples, then order in your favorite food and watch your favorite movie.
Take a nice long bath. Listen to your favorite band. Buy yourself a little gift on the way home from work. Use this Valentine’s Day to commit to showing yourself more love and kindness throughout the year.
Now, go out and snap up some of those delicious chocolates before they are gone!
During this time of year, online ads and TV commercials would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season. Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are: […]
During this time of year, online ads and TV commercials would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season.
Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are:
If you can relate and are looking for some relief, here are ways you can cope with your depression this holiday season:
Feel Your Feelings
If you are grieving a loss, it’s important that you’re honest about your feelings. Your instinct may be to put on a brave face for friends and family, but forcing yourself to be happy for the sake of others will only make matters worse. Sadness and grief are a part of life, no matter the season, and it is 100% okay for you to feel your feelings. Ignoring your feelings or numbing them with alcohol or other substances will only make things worse in the long run.
Give Something Besides Money
If a lack of finances is the primary source of your mood, look for other ways you can give to others. Are you a good cook? Offer to cook for friends and family. If your talent is writing, write your kids a bedtime story or, if it’s painting, paint a beautiful mural on their wall. Shovel a friend’s driveway, babysit for a family member, write a heartfelt letter to a loved one. At the end of the day, thoughtful gifts from your heart will leave the greatest lasting impression.
Focus on Self Care
It’s important that you care for yourself during the holiday season. Eat right, drink water, exercise, and get plenty of rest. While these steps are important for everyone throughout the entire year, they are particularly important for those suffering from depression during the holidays.
Seek Help
Depression is nothing to take lightly. If your depression has lingered, is getting worse, or you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative that you seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They will be able to help you navigate your overwhelming emotions and offer tools to manage symptoms.
If you are having suicidal thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255. This phone number is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are having suicidal thoughts and thinking of acting on them, please go to your nearest emergency room.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with us. You don’t have to suffer alone. Call Aloha at 801.399.1818 to schedule an appointment.