A recent study has shed light on the differing impacts of divorce or separation on the mental health of men and women, particularly later in life, revealing that women may face more challenges in this regard.
Published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, the study focused on antidepressant use as an indicator of mental health struggles during and after various types of separations, including death, divorce, or non-marital separation.
Researchers found notable differences between men and women in their use of antidepressants during these life changes. Women exhibited larger increases in antidepressant use prior to a divorce or break-up, and they experienced fewer reductions in drug use after entering into new relationships compared to men.
Niina Metsä-Simola, a lecturer at the University of Helsinki and co-first author of the study, highlighted that women may seek more help for mental health issues and thus use antidepressants more frequently than men.
The study analyzed data from over 220,000 Finnish residents who experienced the end of a relationship between 2000 and 2014, focusing on individuals aged 50 to 70. It revealed that separations after the age of 50 were associated with a 3 to 7 per cent increase in antidepressant use.
These findings raise questions about the economic and social impacts of divorce, suggesting that it may have a more substantial effect on women due to factors like changes in living conditions and economic hardship.
While the study didn’t examine the duration or number of relationships, previous research has indicated that women often face disproportionate financial challenges post-divorce, potentially contributing to their higher likelihood of continued antidepressant use.
The study also suggested that the emotional support men receive from new partners after a separation might differ from the responsibilities women take on in new relationships, possibly affecting their mental well-being differently.
Overall, the study underscores the need for further research into the complex interplay between relationships, gender roles, and mental health outcomes, particularly in older populations experiencing significant life changes.
