!!!February 15, 2024
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The Northern Rivers Times
SENIORS & HEALTH NEWS 45
Study Reveals Gender Disparities in Antidepressant Use Post Relationship Breakups A recent Danish study sheds light on the differing responses to relationship breakups between men and women, highlighting a higher likelihood of women turning to antidepressants compared to men during later stages of life. The observational study, supported by the European Research Council and Academy of Finland, examined a cohort of 228,644 Finnish residents aged 50 to 70 between 1996 and 2018, all of whom had experienced a relationship dissolution, whether through breakup, divorce, or bereavement, between 2000 and 2014. The findings, led by Professor Yaoyue Hu from Chongqing Medical University, underscore a significant gender discrepancy in antidepressant usage following relationship breakdowns. Notably, in the four years leading up to such events, women demonstrated a substantial increase in antidepressant use compared to men, with 6% of women and 3.2% of men turning to these medications. Published in the Journal
of Epidemiology and Community Health and subject to peer review, the study also revealed a spike in antidepressant use for both genders in the six months preceding divorce, with a 5% increase among men and a 7% increase among women. Although antidepressant usage stabilized after one year, it remained higher for both genders postdivorce compared to pre-divorce levels. The researchers suggest that these patterns may indicate that women experience greater emotional difficulty adjusting to relationship breakdowns later in life than men. They posit that gender disparities in family roles, responsibilities, and economic status may contribute to the disproportionate use of antidepressants among women. Moreover, the study found that more men tended to enter new relationships following bereavement or relationship breakups, while there was no significant gender difference among those who had divorced. The study’s authors suggest that the mental
health consequences of relationship dissolution may weigh more heavily on women due to societal factors. They note that marriage may have a more significant positive impact on men’s mental health compared to women’s and that older men may be more inclined to seek emotional support through new partnerships. Notably, the study highlights the rising phenomenon of “grey divorce” among individuals aged 50 and older in high-income countries, driven by ageing populations. Commenting on the findings, Gavin Scott, a family law partner at UK law firm Freeths, notes that the figures are not surprising, attributing the increased antidepressant use among women to financial uncertainties post-divorce, particularly for those who have sacrificed career development to prioritize childcare. He emphasizes the distressing nature of divorce proceedings and the detrimental effects of continued cohabitation in strained marital relationships on mental health, including that of children involved.
King Charles III’s Health and the Royal Succession: Navigating a Delicate Balance The recent health concerns surrounding King Charles III have cast a spotlight on the intricacies of royal succession and the supportive network within the House of Windsor. Despite projecting strength and stability during his hospital departure alongside Queen Camilla, the king’s diagnosis of cancer has prompted a reevaluation of his public commitments. Charles, known for his robust health and dedication to his duties, has been forced to step back from his publicfacing roles to focus on treatment. While the exact details of his condition remain undisclosed, the palace assures the public that he will continue to fulfill his constitutional duties as head of state. However, the monarch’s diagnosis raises questions about potential scenarios where he may require
assistance in executing royal functions. In such cases, the Counsellors of State, a small circle of advisors, are constitutionally empowered to step in. Charles’s decision to expand this group in 2022, adding his sister Princess Anne and brother Prince Edward, has proven prescient in light of recent events. By including Edward and Anne, Charles has ensured a diverse pool of advisors, mitigating potential speculation about the roles of Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, both of whom have stepped back from their royal duties. This strategic move underscores the importance of maintaining continuity in governance while addressing the evolving needs of the monarchy. As Charles focuses on his recovery, Prince William is expected to assume a more prominent public role, akin to his father’s
support of Queen Elizabeth II during her health challenges. The burden of leadership falls on William, who must navigate personal and public responsibilities amid his wife’s health concerns. While the royal family rallies around Charles, efforts to mend strained relationships, particularly between William and Harry, have garnered attention. Charles’s diagnosis serves as a potential catalyst for reconciliation, fostering hope for renewed unity within the royal family. In the face of adversity, the House of Windsor remains resilient, prioritizing duty and familial bonds. Charles’s health crisis underscores the delicate balance between tradition and adaptation, highlighting the enduring strength of the monarchy in times of uncertainty.
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