DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — While many people celebrate Valentine’s Day as a day filled with romance and roses, others are anticipating the feeling of isolation. Dayton 24/7 Now’s Zeakia Jordan got a chance to speak with Montgomery County ADAMHS about how people can avoid the feelings that could most impact their mental health on the day of love.
According to ADAMHS, the Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Colleen Oakes, in the days leading up to, and the day of the holiday, what leaves people feeling the most down is the thief of joy – comparison.
“It certainly leads to a lot of feelings of being inadequate,” she said. “So why do I not have something that I’m seeing other people having on social media?”
She explained the thoughts that people can have as a result of not celebrating the holiday and seeing how others are participating online. Oakes said that these feelings of “inadequacy” stem from wondering why they might not have received a social media post of appreciation from one of their loved ones. Furthermore, she said the holiday can also raise feelings of anxiety as people wonder if there are things that they should be doing in order to have a special person or loved ones around them during this time.
Although this holiday, like many others, may be hard for a person to get through, Oakes explained that instead of ignoring your feelings, you should honor and embrace them. She offered advice to those who may feel a low in their mental health during Valentine’s Day.
“My advice is to know that it’s normal. Know that it’s okay, and you can kind of sit with it,” she said. “But if you start to feel like you’re not able Um to get back to the baseline of what you normally are, that’s when we encourage you to reach out for help.”
She emphasized not sulking in sorrow for too long, as one sad day could lead to an extended time of depressive moods.
It is also suggested that people engage in self-love practices, allowing them to focus on the love that they have for themselves instead of waiting for others’ love to make them feel validated. Oakes advised that people take the day to indulge in activities that they enjoy doing for themselves and make them feel at peace.
If you or a loved one requires help, it is highly encouraged that you call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline to receive the assistance needed.