Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has said it expects to see an increase in the number of people signing up for its free support group on relationships during Valentine’s week. The charity stated that Valentine’s week is a time where many people celebrate their love and post about how happy they are on social media, but that it can also bring issues or cracks in relationships to the surface.
Turn2Me has emphasised that it offers up to six free counselling sessions to everyone in Ireland and free, unlimited, support groups on relationship issues. The support groups are facilitated by a mental health professional who offers guidance on how to improve relationships and how to effectively communicate needs, expectations, and boundaries.
“Valentine’s Day is a lovely day to celebrate the loved one in your life, but it’s important not to compare your relationship to what you see on social media,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. “What we see on social media are the romantic gestures that aren’t reflective of everyday life. We don’t see the mundane, dull moments or the moments of conflict, so it’s important to bear in mind what we see on social media isn’t reality.
"Sometimes Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s week can bring cracks to the surface in relationships or ‘situationships’ when we realise that the relationship isn’t offering us what we need. If you’re not happy in a relationship, you could try talking to your partner or a therapist, or even consider ending the relationship, but don’t let unrealistic social media comparisons be the root of arguments because comparing your life to what you see on social media is like comparing your life to an advert.”
Turn2Me’s free support group on relationship issues and Turn2Me’s other free, professional mental health services are available on its website, Turn2Me.ie
