HelpGuide February Newsletter

[View in browser]( 5 Tips if You're Single this Valentine's Day Since we’re in February, it’s likely your inbox is filled with love-themed offers and messages about Valentine’s Day. For couples, it’s a time to celebrate your relationship, exchange cards or gifts, and express how much you value the other person. But if you’re single and finding it hard to meet the right person, Valentine’s Day can feel very different.  Life as a single person offers many rewards, but at this time of year especially, it’s easy to feel excluded, lonely, and out of step with the world around you. You might dwell on past relationship mistakes, beat yourself up for making the same bad choices over and over, or feel frustrated that it’s so difficult to find a lasting, worthwhile relationship.  But even if you’ve been burned repeatedly or have a poor track record when it comes to dating, there are ways to overcome obstacles to [finding love](.  1. Remember: It’s better to be single than in a bad relationship. There are health benefits that come with being in a [solid relationship](, and there can be a stigma in some social circles about being single. However, you can still be happy and fulfilled without being part of a couple. You’re free to pursue your own hobbies and interests, enjoy your own company, and appreciate quiet moments of solitude. After all, being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. And nothing is as unhealthy and dispiriting as being in a bad relationship.  2. Don't make your search for a partner the center of your life. Many singles become obsessed with scouring dating apps, attending singles events, or hanging out in pick-up bars trying to meet the right person. Instead, try concentrating more on activities you enjoy, your [career](, health, and relationships with family and friends. When you focus on keeping yourself happy, it will keep your life balanced and make you a more interesting person when you do meet someone special.  3. Focus on having fun. It can help to think of your time as a single person as a great opportunity to expand your social circle and participate in new events. By pursuing activities you enjoy and putting yourself in new environments, you'll meet new people who share similar interests and values. [Volunteer]( for a cause that's important to you, take a cooking class, join a book club or hiking group, or attend local events. Even if you don't find someone special, you will still have enjoyed yourself and maybe forged new friendships as well.  4. Learn skills to overcome shyness. Many of us feel awkward around unfamiliar people, unsure of what to say, or worried about what others might think of us. But shyness can cause you to avoid social situations, cut yourself off from others, and make it harder to start a new relationship. No matter how nervous you feel in the company of others, you can learn to silence self-critical thoughts, boost your self-esteem, and become more confident in your interactions with others. You don’t have to change your personality, but by [learning new skills]( and adopting a different outlook you can overcome shyness or social awkwardness.  5. Don't neglect your friendships. When you're single, it's natural to place an emphasis on romantic relationships, believing that if you can just find the right person, your life will become happy and fulfilled. However, research shows that friends are actually even more important to your mental health than a romantic partner. Good friends can relieve stress, provide comfort and joy, and prevent loneliness and isolation. While you're looking for love, also make time to [build and nurture your friendships](.  Whatever relationship issues you're facing at the moment, remember that HelpGuide is always there for you.  ­ HelpGuide articles you may have missed Dating Tips for Finding the Right Person Single and looking for love? While there are always obstacles to meeting the right person, these tips can help you find lasting love and build a healthy, worthwhile relationship.  [Read more]( Imposter Syndrome Do you often feel like a fraud or phony in your work, school, or personal life? Learn about the causes of these feelings of inadequacy and change how you view your own success and abilities. [Read more]( Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Ever experienced a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear? Explore this guide to panic attacks, including symptoms, treatment, and self-help tips. [Read more]( Mental health news from around the web Research confirms benefits of resistance exercise training in treatment of anxiety and depression (University of Limerick) A new study has demonstrated the impact resistance exercise training can have in the treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The researchers said there was “exciting evidence” that resistance exercise training may be an accessible alternative therapy to improve anxiety and depression, while also improving other important aspects of health. [READ MORE →]( Are Body Temperature and Depression Linked? Science Says, Yes (UC San Francisco) People with depression have higher body temperatures, suggesting there could be a mental health benefit to lowering the temperatures of those with the disorder, a new study found. The study doesn’t indicate whether depression raises body temperature or a higher temperature causes depression. [READ MORE →]( Viral infections or environmental factors could put person at risk for Alzheimer’s, scientists suggest (Northwestern University) A new study has found the immune system in the blood of Alzheimer’s patients is epigenetically altered. That means the patients’ behavior or environment has caused changes that affect the way their genes work. [READ MORE →]( CDC report finds teens use drugs — often alone — to ease stress and anxiety (NBC News) Teenagers with suspected substance use problems say they turn to drugs because of a crushing need to relax and escape worries, according to new research. [READ MORE →](  Women experience larger increase in antidepressant use after break-up than men, study suggests (News Medical) A new study explored patterns of antidepressant use among Finnish adults aged 50–70 years experiencing divorce, separation from cohabitation, or bereavement, alongside usage trends before and after subsequent repartnering. [READ MORE →]( ­ Mental health helplines In the U.S.: [NAMI Helpline]( at 1-800-950-6264 UK: [Mind Infoline](: 0300 123 3393 Australia: [Sane Australia](: 1800 187 263 Canada: [Wellness Together Canada](: 1-866-585-0445 In other countries: Visit HelpGuide's [Directory of International Mental Health Helplines]( Follow Us: ­ ­ ­ ­ JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER Mental health and wellness tips, our latest articles, resources and more. [Subscribe]( ­ HelpGuide.org International, 515 S. Flower St. Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA, 90071 This email was sent to {EMAIL} You've received it because you've subscribed to our newsletter. If you would no longer like to receive these, please update your email preferences by visiting the link below. [Unsubscribe](  [Privacy Policy](     |      [Terms of Use](