The Physical Effects of Divorce on Individual Men and Women

It is given that divorce affects couples physically and emotionally, regardless of the reason for divorce. While some couples expect divorce to impact their family emotionally, fewer people seem to consider how it physically affects adults. Meanwhile, how divorce affects men is somewhat different from how it affects women. Here, we consider the physical effects of divorce on men and women.

The Physical Effects

The Journal of Men’s Health recently published a study confirming that mortality, depression, general illness, and substance abuse are more common among divorcees. The study focused primarily on men but found that both parties suffer more than happily married couples. It also found that the impact on both genders shows similarities in certain aspects. Now, let's explore the physical effects of divorce on both men and women.

In Men

Cancer and heart disease are more commonly recorded among divorced men than among those in a happy marriage. Also, the mortality rate associated with divorced men is almost 250 percent greater than that of happily married men. Furthermore, divorced men suffer more strokes and heart attacks than non-divorced men.

In Women

Women experience the same physical health responses to divorce as men; the only difference is the rates. For example, while both genders experience increased heart attacks, it is higher in women.

According to the study, women, even those divorced only once, increase their chances by 24 percent. If the woman has been divorced more than once, the risk rises to 77 percent.

A study considered why women experience higher heart attack rates than men and concluded that it is because of stress. First, women experience stress longer than men because they often take longer to remarry than men. Along with more brutal financial hits and prolonged stress, all leads to higher levels of inflammation, hence, more heart attacks. 

In Both Men and Women

Everyone is at risk of one health problem or the other, but the effects of the divorce process exacerbate some of these health problems. Divorced individuals typically experience a lower standard of living and financial or economic hardship than non-divorced individuals. They lack the emotional support they had before the divorce because they would often lose friends or shared connections from the marriage.

Furthermore, divorced people experience a weakened immune system and get more colds and cases of flu. Meanwhile, divorced men and women experience dramatic and extreme weight changes – loss or gain.

Any Health Benefits From a Divorce?

Ironic as it may sound, divorce does have some fantastic health effects; it all depends on what individuals make of it. One of the biggest benefits is relief for someone who has endured years in a rough marriage. Also, a person can experience self-identity expansion and accept new roles.

Many divorced people will focus their energy on picking up a new hobby, advancing their careers, or expanding their social circles. While this can sometimes be referred to as escapism, it has positive health effects.

Conclusion

Divorce has adverse effects on both men and women, encompassing physical and non-physical effects. While both genders share the same effects, the rates are higher in women than in men. “Ending your marriage may be the right decision for you and your spouse, but it is rarely easy to go through,” says Divorce Attorney Samah T. Abukhodeir of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, “Ensuring your well-being is important throughout the divorce process.” Focusing on your health and having a good support group and legal representation can relieve some of the pressures that come with divorce.