FEELING LONELY?

Valentine’s Day can bring up a mix of feelings. For some, it’s a time to celebrate connection. For others, it can make loneliness feel sharper.

Here’s the thing, being alone isn’t the same as feeling alone.

Being alone can be a good thing. It gives you space to reflect, recharge, or focus on what matters to you. Quiet time can be restorative and nourishing.

Feeling alone is different. It’s a sense of disconnection or isolation, even when you’re surrounded by people. And Valentine’s Day can make it feel louder, like everyone else is connected while you’re not.

Noticing the difference is important. Being alone? That’s something to lean into with self-care, hobbies, or a little time for yourself. Feeling alone? That’s your mind and body telling you that connection, care, or understanding is needed.

Finding ways to connect can feel tricky if you live alone, but there are lots of options. Check out what’s happening locally like a gardening club (assuming it is going to stop raining sometime soon!), a choir, a book club, or a bridge or chess group. Getting outdoors can help too, joining a walking group or simply taking a stroll around your neighbourhood can be surprisingly restorative. Even small everyday interactions, like exchanging a few words with a stranger in a café or your local shopkeeper, can add up and make a difference.

If mobility or other limitations make some activities difficult, there are still ways to connect. Online book clubs, virtual choirs, or friendly chats with neighbours can provide meaningful interaction. Volunteering is another option, and can help create bonds while reducing feelings of isolation there are often ways that can be adapted to suit different needs, so don’t count yourself out.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance. It can be a chance to check in with yourself and respond in ways that support your wellbeing, including connecting with others in your community, sometimes through small, simple moments that quietly remind you that you’re not alone.

If feelings of loneliness feel heavy, counselling can provide a safe space to explore them, helping you feel more grounded and connectedboth to yourself and to others. If you think talking to someone might help, please do get in touch.