Living alone is no guarantee of developing depression, but there is evidence that this type of living arrangement does increase the possibility of becoming depressed. According to a study conducted in Finland, there is an 80 percent chance that people in one-person households will be prescribed antidepressants at some time in their lives.
More facts about living alone:
- The number of people living alone has increased in the United States and the United Kingdom. Studies indicate that, in 2010, about one-third of the people in each nation lived in one-person households.
- Men and women who live alone have roughly the same chance of developing depression, although the underlying reasons for their living arrangements might be different.
- People who live alone, are not physically active, have little to no social life and are not single by choice are at the greatest risk of becoming depressed. Factors such as inadequate housing and lack of social interaction in the workplace are also linked to the potential of developing depression.
By Malcolm Tatum
, Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.