Health Update: Wellness & Counselling Center discuss on mental health during Valentines Day – What Experts Say

PARKERSBURG, W.Va . (WTAP) -Valentine’s Day can be a stressful time for many people, particularly those experiencing loneliness and grief.

Mental health professionals are offering guidance on how to navigate these difficult feelings during the holiday.

Much of the stress surrounding Valentine’s Day stems from social comparisons, according to Michael Moore, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Counseling and Wellness Center.

“Social comparison is when we look around us on either Instagram, or other social pages. People look at what they’re experiencing and we can compare that to us. We compare ourselves to our real-life to people’s social media lives. At many times it makes us feel empty and makes us feel lonely.”

This comparison trap can leave people feeling inadequate and alone during a holiday that emphasizes romantic connections.

Dr. Stephen Givens emphasizes the importance of developing healthy connections beyond just romantic relationships.

According to Givens, “One of the ways to combat loneliness is to find around 5 good friends.”

Givens elaborates on why this matters.

“If you can find 5 good friends, it really helps you develop healthy support systems,” Givens said. “Finding good connections like that is like roots to a tree. If you don’t have any roots to a tree, if wind blows it falls down. If you have good roots when the storm comes, you can stand a lot stronger when the times come to feel a little bit lonely.”

Michael Moore encourages people to stop trying to meet others’ expectations for the day.

“I think one of the greatest things that a person can do is simply don’t feel that you need to compare your life to other people’s life,” Moore said. “Your life is unique and different as much as your fingerprint is. And so allow yourself to let this Valentine’s be what it is for you and don’t feel like that you have to fit anybody else’s criteria or mold for this day.”

Givens reminds us that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to center on romance.

“It doesn’t always have to be just romantic,” Givens said. “They can be very platonic in nature. Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships for us to develop and have a good, healthy support system.”

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