Not Everything's Candy and Roses on Valentine's Day

By: Erika Tallan Email

Updated: Mon 12:35 PM, Feb 13, 2012

If you don't have a significant other, Valentine's Day can trigger thoughts of rejection, making you feel down says love and relationship expert Dr. Abby Mitchell.

"Because if you want to be in a relationship and aren't on Valentines Day, it's like, what does that say about me?" said Dr. Abby Mitchell, Psychology Professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
One cause of depression, social issues like loss of a job or spouse or not having a social life is on the rise.

"There's a growing number of single people in the United States," said Dr. Mitchell. "So it's affecting an increasingly large group of people and it's difficult being single in a society that puts soo much emphasis on romantic relationships and being in romantic relationships."

Mitchell adds, "There are often negative views of people in society who are single. They are somehow chjildlike or undesirable. So thats why they are not in a relationship, rather than a valid perfectly satisfying life choice."

One way to get through the day: Take yourself on a date with a new experience.

"Part of what a relationship does is expand our sense of self. And you can do that on your own! You don't have to do that just in the context of a relationship," said Dr. Mitchell. "You can get that by taking a class, trying something new, breaking out of routine to get those new experiences on your own," she added.

If you're still not feeling the love after Valentine's Day seek professional help.

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