For some, Valentine’s Day symbolizes the climax of the celebration of their affection for their beloved and of their being loved back. for others, it signposts their unsuccessful attempts at love and reminds them of their loneliness, triggering sadness, depression, and even suicide.
Though evidence on the direct link between Valentine’s Day and suicide rates is more anecdotal than scientific, the “day of love” definitely bears a darker shadow than the love it appears to portray. In a survey conducted by BetterHelp, some 15 million American adults say the day impacts their mental health for the worse, with more of this number being young adults. The same study reveals that even those with lovers experience mental stress surrounding their love lives.
The emphasis on romantic love and couples may contribute to the higher risk of suicide on Valentine's Day. For some, the occasion is a reminder of their loneliness or broken relationships. The pressure to be in a relationship or have a romantic partner can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, especially for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety. Furthermore, social media and targeted ads can instill exaggerated expectations of love and romance, exacerbating feelings of grief or disappointment.
Despite these concerns, the association between Valentine's Day and suicide rates remains ambiguous. Some studies have discovered a link between the two, while others have discovered no substantial difference in suicide rates on Valentine's Day versus other days of the year - especially holidays. Yet, it is crucial to highlight that suicide is a complicated and multifaceted issue, and no single cause can entirely explain the possibility of higher risk on Valentine's Day.
Notwithstanding, it is reasonable to infer that societal norms regarding having a partner and “settling down” are influential in exacerbating the negative feelings individuals experience during Valentine's. To address this, one needs to practice self-care above adhering to societal expectations. Focusing on getting quality sleep, exercising, and on eating healthy foods are just some of the activities this can entail.
Positive thoughts/thinking is a good add on to one's self-care routine. When we are lonely, we easily slip into negative navel-gazing that prevents us from being able to see the positives in our lives such as personal or professional achievements of which we normally would have been proud. Choosing to intentionally focus on these positives helps us to maintain a realistic perspective of our loneliness, and keep us from drowning in negativity.
Next, whether we have a partner or not, it is essential we prioritize the relationships we already have; mainly family and close friends. Reaching out to people in these networks for emotional support during this season can help us better manage negative emotions. Even more, joining a social group can go a long way in helping us to meet new people, and making meaningful connections based on our interests. We might even meet "the one" in the process.
But more than reaching out to family and friends for company, we should do the same for their benefit. We need to be aware of the risks and check in on friends and family members who may be lonely or isolated. Little gestures such as texting, calling, or planning a fun activity can go a long way toward making someone feel loved and supported. It is also critical to encourage people to seek professional help, especially if they are dealing with mental health issues, for example, contemplating suicide. There are numerous options, including therapists, counselors, and crisis hotlines, to offer support and help.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you must seek treatment right away. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and offers free, confidential help to anyone in crisis. There may also be local mental health resources and crisis hotlines in your area. The University offers a robust array of services through Counseling and Psychological Services. Their commitment is to the psychological and emotional well-being of the Columbia University community.
While the association between Valentine's Day and suicide rates is not entirely understood, it is evident that the holiday can be stressful for many people. It is critical to be aware of the potential risks and to provide assistance and resources to people who may be in need. It is possible to overcome the hardships of Valentine's Day and retain excellent mental health with the correct resources and assistance.
I wish you love.