Are you depressed and blue this February? Read on to find out how you can change your perspective on life...
Are you depressed and blue this February? Read on to find out how you can change your perspective on life...
Aday like Valentine’s, said to be filled with love, should technically bring joy to all but unfortunately many of us end up with the pre and post Valentine’s Day blues. Yes, this actually happens as the majority of women don’t want to end up being single on this day. Those who are single end up feeling lonely, insecure and un-loved. While those who are in a relationship are worried about the gift their partner would give to them and whether it will be better than what their friends would be receiving. Then there’s the competition about who goes where on a date and how much money their partner spent on them...and the list goes on.
The bottom line is that the envy, competition and loneliness get to us and we end up being depressed. No matter what you do the red splashed over the country will catch up on you and all you can do is to face it with your head held high. Of course, there are a lot of us who are content on being single and alone on Valentine’s Day. However, if you do fall into the category where you dread Cupid’s Day and are feeling alone, here are some tips to get over your V-Day blues.
What causes depression?
Depression is a medical illness that creates a constant feeling of sadness and lack of interest. Unfortunately, depression is more common than we think and many people suffer from it. It is triggered when a loved one is lost or when we are unhappy with life in general. However, depression should not be ignored as the effect it has on one’s mind increases over time. Depression affects how the person feels, behaves, thinks and can lead to emotional and physical problems. Typically, people with depression find it hard to go about their day-to-day activities, and may also feel that life is not worth living. Research has now shown that certain days including holidays tend to trigger depression in many single people. Amongst those is Valentine’s Day that tends to send people into a whirlpool of sad thoughts, loneliness, envy and inferiority complex.
How to cure the V-Day blues
Make it your day: Go out to lunch with your girlfriends, have a cup of coffee and chit-chat about boys, or do dinner with your other single pals. This day shouldn’t only be about couples - it should be about love of all kinds. And what better way to celebrate it with the pals you love.
In case you don’t have any single friends, you can always hang out with your family. This will be a great retreat to any depressing occasion that you don’t want to or can’t partake in. Sitting on mom and dad’s couch, for instance, will be really comforting. Top it off with a cup of coffee or tea and you’ll just reminisce about the times you were young and could care less for Valentine’s. Let yourself have all the snacks you usually feel guilty consuming, and this time, don’t feel the least bit guilty.
If you want to keep yourself really busy, go to the spa in the morning. Get a massage, sit in a whirlpool or sauna, and get pampered. If nothing else works then go shopping. Retail therapy always saves the day, doesn’t it? Buy yourself a new outfit, those shoes you have been eyeing.
If you decide to stay at home alone, your computer is your friend. Turn it on and see who else is home on Valentine’s Day. It is always nice to know you are not the only lonely heart home.
Make it a girlfriend day: Throw an anti-Valentine’s Day party and invite all of your friends who are against the day. Further extend that party into a sleepover. Go back to the time in your life where you and your friends would giggle about boys and not cry about them. Have some fun throughout the night, from playing silly games like Truth or Dare to giving each other make-overs.
Other fun stuff that you can do is stage a fashion show and have photo shoot. Even if you are not going anywhere special, put on something hot, and take pictures of yourself. It sounds egotistical, but you will feel oh-so-fabulous afterwards. You can even upload your favourite shots on the Facebook. That will show the rest of the world that you could care less for Valentine’s Day.
Other activities for the night include having a ‘Sex and the City’ marathon, reading countless fashion magazines and planning for your spring wardrobe, and watching movies that promote girl power.
Be positive: Don’t forget that all the sadness you are feeling is in your mind. If you take charge, you can change the way you feel. Remind yourself that many couples are unhappy. Did you ever stop to think that a lot of these men and women who are out on 14th Feb may have lots of problems throughout the year? Just because they are eating a meal together on one occasion doesn’t mean they are happier than you. Always remember that being single is fabulous. You are free and you can do whatever you want. The world is at your feet so go ahead and rule it.
Signs that V-Day is getting to you
