Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship with those we cherish, a time to reflect on the strength of fostering meaningful relationships. Many celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bouquet of flowers, a special gift or kind words. Yet for others, this day can serve as a painful reminder of loneliness and isolation. Nationwide, more than half of adults experience loneliness. 

In the Hispanic community, loneliness is a growing concern. According to a study by Cigna, 75% of Hispanic adults experience loneliness, rates significantly higher than those found in the general population. 

Loneliness is more than an emotion; it is a public health crisis. Loneliness can have a direct impact on mental health, often leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress. In some cases, it can also lead to substance abuse, poor sleep quality and various personality disorders. 

To keep our communities healthy, we need to recognize the signs of loneliness:

Signs of loneliness include:

• Feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Lack of motivation
• Increased anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Physical symptoms such as headache or fatigue

Remember, “La Cultura Cura”—connecting with community heals. Self-care strategies for managing loneliness and social isolation include:

• Participating in engaging activities, including sports, games and community events
• Staying connected through regular conversations with friends and family
• Maintaining healthy habits by prioritizing eating healthy food and regular exercise
• Volunteering or spending quality time with the local community
• Seeking external support or therapy with specialized centers like CPLC Behavioral Health Services

This Valentine’s Day, let’s recognize that love extends beyond romantic gestures. It also means supporting our community and prioritizing mental well-being. Together, we can all be a part of reducing loneliness. 

CPLC’s behavioral health services are another layer of support. The specialized CPLC centers offer free, community responsive mental health counseling, support groups and therapy. 

Services are available in English and Spanish. Mental health professionals equip individuals with the tools to build stronger connections, develop healthy coping strategies, and navigate mental health challenges.

Find help at CPLC’s Phoenix Mental Health Services:

• Centro de la Familia (6850 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. 85033) - Offers outpatient mental health services for children and families. 
• Centro Esperanza (325 N Stapley Dr., Mesa, Ariz. 85203) - Specialized services for Serious Mental Illness (SMI) populations. 

Loneliness can affect everyone, but together, we can create communities that care for each other. If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or mental health challenges, help is available. Don’t wait until it is too late.

Visit CPLC’s behavioral health resources here and find the support you need.