How Mental Health Affects Relationships During Valentine’s Day
By Makayla Hollifield, MS in Social Work
February 7, 2025
Valentine’s Day can bring a sense of love, connection, and affection. It is a time for people to celebrate romantic relationships and a broader occasion to express appreciation for friends, family, and self-love. However, it can also be an overwhelming time for many. Valentine’s Day carries myriad expectations and societal pressures, often magnifying existing emotional vulnerabilities (Clarity Clinic, 2024). There is often a lot of societal pressure to do something grand or meaningful for a partner. This can create stress around finding the perfect gift, planning the perfect date, or living up to expectations. Finding a good balance is crucial to encourage growth and improve resilience when things do not go our way.
Mental Health Matters in Relationships
We all crave companionship in some form. Mental health matters and plays a massive role in our relationships. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or personality disorders affect emotional responses in relationships. This might alter communication, trustbuilding, and empathy in relationships and create insurmountable obstacles.
While many people celebrate love and romance on Valentine’s Day, for others, it can be a day overshadowed by feelings of pain and loss. Whether due to the absence of a loved one, past heartbreaks, or unmet expectations, this day can serve as a reminder of what is missing. It is crucial to be mindful of your emotional triggers, as understanding them allows you to confront and challenge the negative thoughts and emotions that may arise. By acknowledging and processing these feelings, individuals can take proactive steps to foster emotional resilience and navigate the day with greater self-compassion and clarity
How can we manage anxiety around Valentine's Day?
Here are some strategies to help manage anxiety around Valentine’s Day:
Redefine the Day: Do what makes *you* feel good. Whether celebrating friendships, practicing self-care, or spending time with loved ones in a low-key way, it is about doing what feels right for you.
Embrace Self-Love: Valentine’s Day can be a chance to celebrate your worth if you’re single. There are ways to thrive being single on Valentine’s Day. Do something for yourself that brings joy. Some activities that you could do could be buying yourself flowers or indulging in something you love. Self-love is just as important as romantic love.
Makayla Hollifield, MS in Social Work
Welcome! I’m so happy to have you here. My name is Makayla, and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with a passion and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals across all walks of life. My journey in social work began with a rewarding experience as a school social worker intern, where I had the honor of supporting high school students from District 49. Their remarkable resilience and strength left an indelible mark on me, fueling my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives I touch.
My most recent internship involved working with teens in a school setting, where I became certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This experience has deepened my expertise in addressing complex issues such as relationship difficulties and self-worth, and I am eager to apply these skills in a clinical-focused practice.
Communicate: If you’re in a relationship and feeling anxious about expectations, communicate openly with your partner. Sharing how you feel can help ease pressure and ensure you’re both on the same page. Decide together whether to celebrate it.
Practice Mindfulness: Engaging in breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking time to pause and focus on the present moment can help you stay focused and explore your emotions without judgment.
Seek support: Consider seeking help from a therapist or support group to manage anxiety. Having someone to talk to can make a huge difference
Conclusion:
Mental health challenges are a standard part of life, but they don’t have to define the trajectory of relationships. With the right tools, open communication, and a supportive environment, couples, families, and individuals can overcome obstacles together. Relationships can survive and thrive even in difficult times by seeking professional help, prioritizing mental wellness, and fostering understanding.
There is always hope. Seeking help, whether individually or as a couple, is an important step towards healing and growth. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder that love, in all its forms, is about more than just romantic gestures; it’s about deep connections, empathy, and the shared commitment to nurturing one another’s well-being.
References
Clarity Clinic. (2024, February 12). Navigating Valentine’s Day: Understanding its Impact on Mental Health. Claritychi.com; Clarity Clinic. https://www.claritychi.com/blog/valentines-dayimpact-on-mental-health
Glasgow, G. (2021). Colin Powell’s Death Highlights the Challenges Multiple Myeloma Patients Face With COVID-19. Cuanschutz.edu. https://doi.org/105058771/1730480979408
Nexus Counseling Services, LLC
719-388-3558