There’s a lot of pressure on single people in our society. Even now, in 2021, being single by a certain age is considered out of the norm and is often stigmatized. Pressure from family and friends to find a partner and settle down can take an emotional toll.

It’s important to remember that your relationship status doesn’t define you. Your being single doesn’t mean anything other than you haven’t found the right person yet. It’s also essential to remember that there is nothing wrong with being single by choice. Many people are single by choice and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Unfortunately, the pressures associated with being single can be overwhelming for some, especially around couple-centric holidays such as Valentine’s Day, and can ultimately lead to depression. Finding strategies to preserve your mental health and wellness is crucial if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Using alcohol or drugs to numb emotions can be tempting when we’re in emotional pain. Still, while they provide short-term relief, the long-term effects can cause severe problems, including addiction and medical issues. Substance use also prolongs the inevitable- having to actually deal with and process pain.

It’s perfectly normal and relatable to feel frustrated and resentful when it seems like everyone, but you are in a committed relationship. It’s also common to feel angry after a relationship ends. When we let the anger consume us, it becomes unproductive and distracts us from dealing with our underlying emotions.

One of the most common ways of dealing with heartache is retreating from the world for a bit, eating our feelings, and binge-watching whatever looks good on Netflix. It’s not always the healthiest solution, but it’s not harmful either if it’s short-lived. It becomes a problem when you haven’t left your room for an extended period, and your sadness is affecting your ability to function.

It’s ok to indulge and splurge on yourself once in a while. Self-care looks different for everyone. It can mean spending the day getting pampered at a spa for one person, while another’s idea of a perfect day is going for a long hike.

Many people feel better when they’re helping others; buying someone else’s coffee in the drive-thru, volunteering for a local charity organization, or performing random acts of kindness is always good for emotional wellness.

Try unplugging for the night. Social media can be great for catching up with friends and family, but it can also be a huge time-suck and a significant cause of FOMO (fear of missing out). It’s easy to forget that many pictures on social media aren’t accurate representations of their daily lives- they’re more of a highlight reel. It can also be triggering if you’re already feeling down and can make you feel worse.

If you’re feeling depressed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call or text someone you trust, be it a family member, friend, or a licensed therapist, and let them know that you need some support. At Serene Health, we’re here to help. We have therapists available seven days a week via our Telehealth app, so you can talk to someone from wherever you feel most comfortable. Contact us at (844) 737-3638, or visit us at www.serenehealth.com to schedule an appointment today.