India, Feb. 4 -- Depression is a major mental illness that is rampant worldwide, posing a fatal risk to lives with attempts of self-harm and suicide. It also causes serious health complications such as heart disease and disability, affecting both mental and physical wellbeing. Given its significantly serious global burden, the scientific community continuously researches various contributing factors to develop effective treatments and preventive measures.

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour identified one such factor-marital status. The study found that depressive symptoms are influenced by marital status, with unmarried individuals, including those who are single, divorced, separated, or widowed at a higher risk. These people ex...