Out of the nearly 51,000 depression screenings taken by single individuals in the past twelve months, about half (48%) scored highly consistent for symptoms of depression. Compare this with 31% of those who selected “married or in a domestic partnership”, and 38% for those who selected “widowed”.
In prior research, single individuals were found to report higher levels of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment problems, and other forms of psychological distress, and a higher rate of alcohol-related problems (see Braithwaite et al.
Also, another study conducted among married women found that 33.3% of participants were depressed [13]. Furthermore, one recent study revealed that 20.1% of married women suffer from severe depression [14]. On the other hand, another study found that depressive symptoms are 17.0% among unmarried women [15].
Feelings of loneliness, including romantic loneliness, can have a serious impact on health and well-being. Feeling isolated, unsupported, and lonely is linked to decreased immunity, worse sleep, lower cardiovascular health, and increased mental health problems.
If nothing else, being single is a learning experience — one that happens to be good for your mental health, believe it or not. So stop stressing over those seemingly endless (and cliché) “I SAID YES!” posts everyone shares on Instagram, and start appreciating the benefits of single life.
"There is absolutely no set time frame that counts as 'too long' for being single," says Megan Stubbs, EdD, a sexologist and relationship expert based in Michigan. Part of the reason why is because there's no set definition as what "being single" actually looks like.
There's a common misconception that older singles are the least happy with their relationship status. But actually, MacDonald's research suggests that starting around age 40, singletons become more satisfied with their solo lives.
Although frustrating, it's perfectly natural to be unhappy about being single. This is especially true if you feel lonely, hopeless about love, or isolated because all of your friends are in relationships. Whatever feelings you have, it's vital to cope with your unhappy feelings about being single.
Being single for a long time is not baggage.
Being single and being in a relationship are simply two different states of being. There are upsides and downsides to both. Being single for a long time can mean that you maintain your standards and refuse to stay in bad relationships, and it's a great thing.
Learn a new language, learn how to cook or try something that you've always wanted to do. Remember you don't have to be in a relationship to feel connected. Foster a pet or volunteer (even if it is virtually). Let your friends and family help you feel connected.
The truth is that many single people often feel lonely, even if they aren't lonely all the time. Single loneliness is actually common and a chance for growth.
You stress less about chores and money
One stereotype of single people is that they're constantly worried about finding a mate—but that's certainly not true for everyone. And in fact, there are plenty of areas where single people stress less than those in relationships.
Women are more likely to have depression than men. An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years.
While about three-in-ten U.S. adults (31%) say they are single – that is, not married, living with a partner or in a committed romantic relationship – that share varies widely across demographic groups.
You may have been single a long time for various reasons. Maybe you struggled with unresolved feelings after a difficult break-up, suffered from damaged self-esteem, or maybe you're simply too busy with work, friendships, and everything else that takes up time.
Experts say that at least a couple of months is a good bet when it comes to how long you should be single after a relationship.
Being single in your 30s doesn't mean you weren't with someone you thought you'd spend the rest of your life with. It also doesn't mean you'll stay single for the rest of your life too. But for now, as long as it takes to find the right one, you're single and life is easy.
"It is absolutely normal to be single, either by choice or because you haven't found what you're looking for," says Battle. According to a 2020 report from the Pew Research Center, about 31% of U.S. adults are single, and half of singles are not looking for a relationship or dates currently.
That is why Paul makes comments like these: it is good for a person to remain as he is [i.e., single] (1 Cor. 7:26); do not seek a wife (1 Cor. 7:27); and, he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better (1 Cor. 7:38).
This might come as a shock, but research has shown that 54% of people who stay single for a long time end up with health issues that later affect their love life. The most common health issues associated with extended single good include suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Another common reason why people are judged for not being married is that singlehood is equated with freedom. Marriage, by contrast, a confine. And freedom is seen as a vice. More often than not, people struggle to understand how someone can be single yet happy.
But research also shows that women are more likely to experience intense positive emotions — such as joy and happiness — compared to men. So it seems that women's more intense positive emotions balance out their higher risk of depression.
(Other reports suggest higher percentages of unmarried Americans if they count people starting at age 15 rather than 18.) In 2019, adults who had always been single made up 62 percent of all unmarried Americans. In 2021, lifelong single people (called “never married” by the Census Bureau) comprise 63 percent.
Some people naturally prefer time alone and that can be fine. Roughly 50% of the population can be categorized as introverts, meaning they get the most value in life out of time spent on their own.