With Valentine's Day approaching, there seems to be more than love in the air; there is loneliness, too. So, how does love affect our health?
Humans desire connections; we are wired to love and be loved. Feelings of closeness help individuals navigate challenges in both their physical and mental well-being. Being close to others is crucial for mental health, and loneliness can often play a role in worsening psychiatric conditions and major depressive disorders.
In this season of love, Wellstar is dedicated to providing support and care, helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges that may arise, and fostering a community connected by compassion and well-being.
For advice on this timely topic, we asked Dr. Justin Ayankola, medical director of Wellstar Collaborative Care Psychiatry, to help us understand how the heart affects the mind.
"Giving ourselves permission to love and be loved is critical to our well-being because love is the glue that ties communities together.”
For some, this season can trigger depressive feelings, so we wondered how we could go about preparing ourselves for the emotions we might feel during the upcoming holiday.
"The best way to prepare for a difficult time is to optimize your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Emotionally, being surrounded by people you love and care about is important. It is not the time to explore or salvage relationships.
Practices such as meditation and gratitude journaling can help increase resilience and decrease feelings of loneliness."
Did you know that research indicates both pleasant conversations and physical touch trigger the release of oxytocin? Just 30 minutes of in-person interactions, including a hug, can help release this hormone in our brains.
There is a common misconception that being in a relationship brings an individual "wholeness." Still, a critical part of finding love is loving oneself first, so how does nurturing that relationship help our mental health?
"Prioritizing self-care is equally important in tending to our mental health. Surprisingly, the most significant barrier to forming relationships often lies not in our feelings toward others but our feelings about ourselves.
Love is about connections. These healthy connections take effort to form and trust to keep. We should be aware that even when we focus on self-love, it is an action that is still dependent on relationships with others. It isn't easy to love ourselves while not giving love to others. The work of self-love and giving love must happen simultaneously."
There has often been a connection between Valentine's Day and loneliness or reminders of toxic situations affecting our mental health.
"Toxic relationships are connections that are destructive. There are numerous ways in which these types of relationships manifest; however, the result is often isolation and stress. Stress has both biological and psychological effects.
Biologically, there is an increase in cortisol, which, if elevated chronically, can make individuals more susceptible to depression and anxiety. The isolation that often accompanies toxic relationships only exacerbates these issues."
For many, the pressures of dating and finding "the one" can cause anxiety. Some find online dating a way to seek companionship, but swiping right and left can overwhelm the heart and mind. How do the brain and heart handle the ways of modern love?
"Online dating apps can be invaluable tools for connecting with others. In fact, many people who meet people on dating apps say it led to an exclusive, romantic relationship. However, they should be used responsibly, considering one's vulnerabilities and insecurities.
One size does not fit all. I recommend using apps that do not cater to a person's more problematic habits. Dating apps can facilitate connections for individuals but should not be the sole means for bringing love into their lives."
If you are wondering where to turn if you need help, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider can be a great way to connect with a behavioral health clinician.
