Higher Mortality Rates, Substance Abuse and Depression Seen in Divorced Men

Divorce can be a challenging time on any family or couple going through the daunting process.

A recent study takes an in-depth look at divorced rates in men, and the affect it can have on their emotional stability.

Background information from the study notes that divorced men have higher rates of mortality, substance abuse, depression and a larger lack of social support in general.

Study authors Daniel S. Felix, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, w. David Robinson, PhD., Utah State University, Logan and Kimberly J. Jarzynka, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha worked to demonstrate the critical need to recognize the critical need of care for men's divorce-related health problems via a provocative case study and review.

The researchers note that divorce has commonly been associated with a  variety of psychological and behavioral disorders. In fact, previous studies show that unmarried men typically live fewer years than married men. They also tend to have more health issues, which could be related to the lack of a partner and emotional and financial support. In their research, the authors looked at the life of a 45-year-old divorced man, recommending how to evaluate his complaints and plan a course of treatment based on both critical and thorough guidelines.

 "Popular perception, and many cultures as well as the media present men as tough, resilient, and less vulnerable to psychological trauma than women. However, this article serves as a warning signal not to follow such unfounded perceptions," said Ridwan Shabsign, MD, President of the International Society of Men's Health (ISMH); Chairman, Department of Surgery, St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY); and Professor of Clinical Urology, Cornell University (New York), via a press release. Dr. Shabsigh continues, "The fact is that men get affected substantially by psychological trauma and negative life events such as divorce, bankruptcy, war, and bereavement. Research is urgently needed to investigate the prevalence and impact of such effects and to develop diagnosis and treatment guidelines for practitioners."

The U.S. Centers Disease for Control and Prevention shows that each year, there are approximately 2,096,000 marriages in the United States or 6.8 marriages per a total population of 1,000. However, statistics show that nearly half of those are ending in divorce at 3.6 per 1,000 population, with information from 44 reporting states.

Some states have higher rates of divorce than others, and various factors including health, finances, emotional support, etc., can all play a critical role in a lasting, stable relationship.

There can be many reasons to stay or leave a marriage. If you or your spouse are having difficulties, you might want to seek counseling as an option or speak with family before making any rash decisions. Here is also a list of causes and concerns to discuss with your partner when evaluating your relationship and determining the next steps.