Psychologists call this phenomenon Valentine’s Day Blues – the “blue” sentiment for Valentine’s Day.
Researchers at Montclair State University found that those who didn’t receive the expected gifts remain in an upbeat, dreary state for up to three weeks after the holiday. Commercialization and idealized images of the “happy couple” make the holiday a real test for the psyche.
Stress – almost half of people
According to the American Psychological Association (APA):
- 45% of respondents feel a lot of stress in the week before February 14.
- Among singles, this figure is higher: 38% acutely feel social pressure and a sense of isolation.
For young people, the holiday is often a reminder of past breakups and unfulfilled relationships. Social networks increase anxiety: comparing oneself with the “ideal life of others”, it is easy to feel inadequate.
According to psychologist Julianne Gault-Lanstad, loneliness is not just an emotion, but a condition that has a real impact on mental and physical health.
The key problem with the holiday: social pressure and advertising turn ordinary solitude into a painful feeling of loneliness.
