• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FHE Health - Addiction & Mental Health Care Homepage

Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment

ContactCareers

Call for Immediate Help (833) 596-3502

MENUMENU
  • About
        • About FHE Rehab
          • About FHE Health
          • Our Staff
          • Locations We Serve
          • Testimonials
        • Our Campus
          • Gallery
          • Our Videos
          • The Health and Wellness Center at FHE Health
        • Our Locations
          • Alcohol Rehab
          • Detox Center
          • Drug Rehab
          • Mental Health Center
          • Outpatient Rehab
        • Careers at FHE Health
          • Employment Opportunities
        • Our Expertise
          • Accreditations
          • Educational Opportunities
          • Community Impact Award
          • First Responder Families Podcast
          • First Responder Paws
          • Education Scholarship
  • Addiction
        • Treatment Programs
          • Treatment Program Overview
          • Alcohol Addiction
          • Drug Addiction Treatment
          • Behavioral Addiction
        • Levels of Care
          • Continuum of Care
          • Addiction Detox
          • Inpatient Addiction Treatment
          • Outpatient Addiction Treatment
        • What We Treat
          • Alcoholism
          • Amphetamines
          • Benzodiazepines
          • Cocaine
          • Heroin
          • Opioids
          • Sedative
  • Mental Health
        • Mental Health Rehab
          • Mental Health Rehab
          • Onsite Psychiatric Care
          • Dual Diagnosis
        • Levels of Care
          • Residential Mental Health Care
          • Outpatient Mental Health Care
        • What We Treat
          • ADD & ADHD
          • Anxiety Disorders
          • Bipolar Disorder
          • Depression
          • Eating Disorders
          • Personality Disorders
          • PTSD
          • Schizophrenia
          • Substance Use Disorder
          • Trauma
  • Programs
        • FHE Programs
          • Specialty Program Overview
          • Restore (Mental Health)
          • Empower! (Women's Program)
          • Shatterproof FHE Health(First Responders)
          • Compass Program
        • Support Programs
          • Alumni
          • Family Support
        • Therapies
          • Acupuncture
          • Breathwork Therapy
          • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
          • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
          • EMDR Therapy
          • Expressive Arts Therapy
          • Individual Therapy
          • Group Therapy
          • Gambling Therapy
          • Massage
        • Medical Care
          • Medical Integration
          • Ketamine Infusion
          • IV Vitamin
          • Fitness & Nutrition
          • Medication-Assisted Treatment
          • Medication Management
        • NeuroRehab Services
          • Neuro Rehabilitation
          • Neurofeedback Training
          • Neurostimulation Therapy
          • EEG Brain Mapping
          • Insomnia Treatment for PTSD
  • Resources
        • FHE Guides
          • Understanding Drug Abuse
          • Signs of Addiction
          • The Disease of Addiction
          • Confronting Addiction
          • Staging an Intervention
          • Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?
          • Withdrawal Timelines
          • Life After Rehab
          • LGBTQ+ Community Resources
          • Veteran Resources
          • FHE Podcasts
          • Remote Resources Toolkit
        • Learning Center
          • Help for You
          • Help For Loved Ones
          • Help For Alcoholism
          • Help With Substance Abuse
          • Behavioral & Mental Health
          • Life in Recovery
          • Rehab Explained
          • Addiction Statistics
          • Our Research Articles
          • View All Articles
        • The Experience Blog
          • Addiction News
          • Alumni
          • Community Events
          • Expert Opinions
          • FHE Commentary
          • FHE News
          • Treatment Legislation
          • View All Articles
  • Admissions
        • Insurance
          • Blue Cross Insurance
          • Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance
          • Cigna Insurance
          • Humana Insurance
          • TRICARE Insurance
        • Admissions
          • Steps to Addiction Help
          • Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?
          • Self-Pay Rehab
        • FAQ
          • Keeping Your Job in Rehab
          • Example Day in Rehab
        • Contact Admissions
          • Contact Us
          • Secure Payment Form
  • Contact
  •  
Home > Experience Blog > Married? Mental Health and Life Expectancy After “I Do”

April 12, 2024 By Chris Foy

Married? Mental Health and Life Expectancy After “I Do”

Married - Mental Health and Life Expectancy

There’s a common belief that married people live longer and are generally happier than their single counterparts. While research suggests married people may have longer life spans, actual results vary, and some of the benefits may also apply to cohabitating couples. The connections between getting married, mental health and life span are complex, with many factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices to consider.

The Relationship Between Marriage and Mental Well-Being

While there’s a connection between mental well-being and marriage, the relationship can be a complex one.

People in healthy marriages enjoy being in a stable environment that helps them cope with stress and life challenges. Sharing life with a partner creates a sense of belonging and security, helping people feel understood and supported. Strong social support within a marriage can be a protective factor for mental well-being.

On the other hand, strained or unhappy marriages can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. The quality of the marital relationship plays an important role in both partners’ health and well-being.

Having a supportive spouse can provide a valuable outlet for expressing emotions and seeking comfort during challenging times. Additionally, sharing responsibilities inherent in a healthy marriage can contribute to a more manageable and less stressful daily life.

However, conflicts, lack of communication or feelings of isolation within a marriage may negatively impact a person’s mental health. High levels of marital stress contribute to increased psychological distress and low mood. Feeling isolated in an unhappy marriage can make any preexisting mental health conditions worse.

Life Expectancy and Mental Health on getting marired

Getting Married? Mental Health Benefits

A happy, healthy marriage can have a positive impact on your mental health outcomes. While the exact advantages you can expect from getting married vary on an individual basis, here are some mental health benefits to consider:

  • Emotional support. Marriage provides a built-in support system, offering emotional reassurance during challenging times. A supportive spouse can be a valuable confidante, reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation.
  • Stability and security. Knowing you have a committed partner to share life’s ups and downs can alleviate stress and anxiety.
  • Healthier lifestyles: Married couples can influence each other’s habits, including diet, exercise and substance use. The mutual encouragement to adopt healthier behaviors can positively impact mental well-being.
  • Shared responsibilities. The division of responsibilities and tasks within a marriage can lead to a more balanced and manageable life. This can help you feel less overwhelmed in day-to-day living.
  • Companionship. Having a constant companion in a spouse reduces feelings of loneliness.
  • Increased life satisfaction. Having someone to share experiences, accomplishments and milestones contributes to feelings of fulfillment.

Do Married People Live Longer?

While some studies associate marriage with increased longevity, the relationship between marriage and life expectancy is more nuanced. Recent studies show that some of the longevity benefits typically attributed to marriage can apply to cohabitating couples as well.

Several factors contribute to the longevity of a married couple, such as the social support provided by a spouse. Marriage offers emotional and practical support, which can promote better health outcomes. Married couples are more likely to adopt healthier lifestyle habits together, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. The mutual encouragement and accountability within a marriage reinforce these positive behaviors.

For some people, being single may provide opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery and fulfilling relationships outside of marriage. However, the absence of a supportive partner may increase feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are associated with poorer health outcomes and a shorter life span.

Marriage may offer certain advantages for health and longevity, but it’s far from a guarantee. It’s also not impossible for single people to lead long and fulfilling lives.

When Marriage Negatively Impacts Mental Health

Ongoing tension between two married people can increase stress levels and even cause anxiety or depression. The pressure to navigate shared responsibilities, financial matters or differing life goals can take an emotional toll and negatively influence well-being. Couples experiencing high levels of dissatisfaction and unhappiness in their marriage can feel isolated, frustrated and hopeless.

Spousal infidelity can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health post-marriage. The emotional trauma resulting from discovering a partner’s betrayal may cause low self-esteem and persistent anxiety. After a partner’s infidelity, the married couple may grapple with trust issues and struggle to rebuild their shattered relationship.

When one person suffers from substance abuse issues, it takes a toll on their spousal mental wellness. Living with a partner struggling with addiction issues may lead to heightened stress, anxiety and feeling helpless. The unpredictability and chaos associated with substance abuse can create an unstable and emotionally taxing environment.

Some people may expect a supportive and nurturing relationship and feel isolated when their spouse fails to meet those needs. A lack of communication or emotional intimacy can contribute to feelings of loneliness even when sitting next to your partner.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to marriage and mental health outcomes. Factors such as communication skills, conflict resolution strategies and the overall health of the relationship influence a person’s well-being within the marriage.

The Importance of Nurturing Your Mental Health

Prioritizing your mental health within the context of marriage is essential for your well-being and the health of the relationship. Open communication, active listening and emotional support form the bedrock of a healthy marital environment. Sharing concerns and daily challenges can contribute to feeling connected and understood by your spouse.

Self-care is just as important for the success of your marriage and your mental health. Practicing habits such as mindfulness, an exercise routine and seeking professional support when needed can help maintain your well-being. By prioritizing the mental health of both partners, couples can build a relationship that thrives in the middle of life’s challenges.

Do you think you might benefit from marriage counseling? If your marital issues or other mental health challenges are causing you distress, we can help. Our team of counselors is available for a confidential call about your needs at all hours of the day or night. Get in touch today and take the first steps toward a healthier, happier you.

Filed Under: Experience Blog

More Questions about Treatment?

More Questions about Treatment?

We offer 100% confidential and individualized treatment

Contact Us

About Chris Foy

Chris Foy is a content manager and webmaster for FHE Health with years of experience in the addiction treatment industry...read more

Primary Sidebar

The Experience Blog

  • Addiction News
  • Alumni
  • Community Events
  • Expert Columns
  • FHE Commentary
  • FHE News
  • Treatment Legislation
  • All Articles

Sign up for the Blog

Our Facilities

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center.

View Our Gallery

Learning Center

  • Help for You
  • Help For Loved Ones
  • Help For Alcoholism
  • Help With Substance Abuse
  • Behavioral & Mental Health
  • Life in Recovery
  • Rehab Explained
  • All Articles
Contact Us
  • Call Now:
  • Best Time to Call:

Footer

FHE Health

© 2025 FHE Health

505 S Federal Hwy #2,
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441
1-833-596-3502
youtube facebook instagram linkedin twitter
  • Contact
  • Careers at FHE Health
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
A+ BBB and Top Places to Work - Sun Sentinel

Copyright © 2025 · FHE Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at marketing@fhehealth.com.

833-596-3502

Text/Call Me