To the girl who feels depressed on Valentine’s day:

Trust me when I say this, you’re not alone. I know you think that you are the only one who is alone today, but there are so many others like you, who are waiting for the discount chocolate to come out on the 15^th and people who are making themselves chocolate covered strawberries. It’s totally normal to see all the stuffed animals and wish someone would show how much they appreciate you and buy them for you. It’s also totally normal to buy a large stuffed animal for yourself and cuddle with it in your room while you watch chick flicks alone. Needless to say, there are many pros and even more cons to this holiday that is made up and capitalized on by Hallmark.

On a more serious note, it’s definitely okay if your mental health starts to take a toll during this time. I know people during this month will say “oh I’m so depressed because I’m single”, and not know what that phrase actually entails. Instead of getting angry, you simply have to attempt to smile, and ignore the ignorance. There’s already enough crappy things happening during this season, it’s time to leave the fight against ignorance for another one. I totally understand the extreme sadness or anxiety that is attached to any major holiday though. Especially on Valentine’s day. For starters, as mentioned earlier, it’s just a day. A simple day of the week, and this completely made up holiday makes every single girl feel insecure for no reason. It also puts a lot of pressure on someone to be happy. For everyone who isn’t feeling overwhelmed by the day, they’re probably smiling and in love. It’s okay if you feel like puking on every single happy couple. But it’s also okay if you start to relapse a little bit, but then pick yourself back up and realize your worth. This one holiday, this one day where you’re reminded that you’re single, is not the end of the fantastic world that you have built for yourself.

One way to combat this day of over-priced and overwhelming large amounts of chocolate is to practice some self-care. If you don’t have a Valentine, be your own. For many people, self-care looks like so many different things. Sometimes it is organizing your entire room, and moving furniture around. Other times, it is taking a bubble bath so good that your fingers start to look like raisins. Sometimes, self-care is going to the gym and working so hard to the point of where you cannot feel your legs anymore. Or, it’s putting on a face mask and reading a good book, or watching your favorite show.

Regardless of how you’re going to take care of yourself this Valentine’s day, you’re going to get through it. It is one day out of three hundred and sixty-five. If you’re able to survive the other ones, this one is going to be just the same, but with a little more emphasis on taking care of yourself. I believe in you because you can and will get through this holiday, regardless of the circumstances.