Blues haunts divorced men

The study authors analysed data from the National Public Health Survey and found that depression occurred in about 12 percent of all people involved in the breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship, compared with three percent of people who stayed together, CBC News reported.

But men were hit much harder than women when a domestic relationship ended.

The study found that men, ages 20 to 64, who had divorced or separated were six times more likely to report depression than married men, while divorced or separated women were 3.5 times more likely to report depression than married women, CBC News reported.

The study authors said men may be especially vulnerable to the loss of social support after a break-up. While women tend to have social networks, many men rely solely on their partner for support. – (HealthDayNews)

May 2007