Suicide increases on Valentine's Day

"Valentine's day is the day of love, and people that commit suicide usually feel unloved or feel unworthy to love those that they're with," Dr. John Robertson said.

Psychologists believe there is a connection between depression and suicide, and the day of love only brings awareness to those who feel lonely.

"They feel like they're a burden on their lives, their loved ones would be better without them," Robertson said.

Robertson said there are warning signs people can look for if they think a loved one is contemplating suicide.

"Behavior that's out of the ordinary— it could be changes for the good instead of bad," Robertson said. "Maybe someone has a negative and down personality, and all of a sudden they get a lot of energy and are up."

Although Valentine's day is just one day out of the year meant to remind people of the love around them, the UT student government association works throughout the year to make sure students know they're valued every day.

"You know of students on campus in the past that committed suicide and that affects everyone, even if you don't know them personally it affects everyone" Student Body President Carson Hollingsworth said.

Dr. Robertson said if you are feeling suicidal, there is a way out.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Depression is treatable. Go to your doctor, get your depression treated, and you'll feel better and won't want to commit suicide, and you'll be happy to have the rest of your life."

Students at UT can obtain free counseling at the psychology center on campus. If you're not a student, you can always call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).