What to Do If You're Depressed and Alone on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day isn't necessarily a happy day for those who are alone. Those who recently split up with a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife or have lost the one they love to death may be especially saddened by the prospect of being alone on Valentine's Day. It's not easy to go out in public and see happy couples when you're single or widowed, especially on Valentine's Day, the day to celebrate love. Being alone on Valentine's Day doesn't cause everyone to become depressed, but some find themselves in a pit of despair. The good news is, help is available.

I've been alone on Valentine's Day, and I was definitely depressed. Even before Valentine's Day I sometimes found it difficult to go out in public. After divorcing, a simple trip to the store made me feel like breaking down, and had to try real hard not to cry in public. I couldn't stay home forever, and I found what I needed as soon as possible, and I left the store many times feeling sad, completely alone, and very depressed.

It wasn't pleasant to see happy couples shopping together, smiling, and laughing. I wanted someone to love me as much as I loved them, but I didn't have that, and I felt I didn't have anything to laugh about, let alone feel happy about. I felt like there must be something wrong with me, and I felt that I didn't deserve to be loved, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I was depressed, but I made it through those difficult times. As a result I'm stronger than ever, and you can be too.

Don't Go Out Alone

One of the best ways to avoid being depressed when going out on Valentine's Day is to avoid going out alone. Take a friend or family member, and enjoy their company. Staying home and hiding from the world won't solve your problems, and in time it won't be as difficult to see other couples in public. Do you really think all of the couples you see in public are happy anyway? Chances are many of them aren't as happy as they appear.

Call a Dear Friend or Family Member

If you've found yourself alone on Valentine's Day and feel more depressed than ever, call a dear friend or family member. Talking to someone about good times you've had in the past is a great way to forget about being depressed. When I'm down I always pick up the phone and call someone. I don't necessarily mention being depressed, but by the time a friend or family member and I have finished talking, I always feel better. Visiting them instead of talking on the phone is even better.

Host a Valentine's Party for Single Friends

Those who know they're going to be alone and depressed on Valentine's Day shouldn't wait until that day before trying to do something about it. Those who are newly divorced, single, or widowed will have a hard time coping at first, and feeling down and depressed is to be expected, especially on Valentine's Day. If you have friends who are also single, host a Valentine's Day party. You don't need a man or a woman on your arm to have a good time, and it might just take getting together for good food and fun to make you realize that being alone isn't a bad situation. Some of the truly happiest people I know are single, and they've proudly proclaimed they don't need a love interest in order to be happy.

Do Something Special Just for You

Being depressed and feeling unloved and alone is one of the worst feelings imaginable, but you deserve to be happy, and you deserve to do something special just for you. If you're going to be alone on Valentine's Day and know you're going to feel depressed, don't wallow in your depression. Instead, reward yourself with something special you've always wanted, rent a comedy, and order a meal fit for a king or a queen. Look at it this way - even thought you'd probably love to, you won't have to share!

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Help if You Need It

Although I've been depressed on Valentine's Day, I realize that it's easy to tell others what to do, and for some who are depressed, it's necessary to seek outside help. If you're having thoughts of suicide, or if you've sank into a deep depression that's affecting your work as well as your social life, seek help now. Don't wait another minute hoping something will change. Don't deny being depressed, and don't be ashamed. There are people who care, and even though it may be hard to imagine right now, the sun will shine in your life again. Call 1-800-273-TALK or visit the Suicide Hotlines website to locate the most appropriate source of help. Being alone isn't the end of the world, and there are many people who truly care.