Research carried out by University of Otago researchers has found that relationships of over 5 years – but not necessarily marriages – are good for our health.
People in long-terms relationships suffer less from depression, are less likely to contemplate suicide, and are also less likely to have substance abuse/addiction problems.
An excerpt: (read in full here)
“Dr Gibb said the study found the legal status of the relationship did not make a difference: it was the length of the relationship that had a positive effect on people’s mental health – and it did not matter if the couple was married or simply living together.
“This was a contrast to previous studies, which had reported lower rates of mental health problems among people in legal marriages than in cohabiting relationships.
“The study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, found that longer relationships were associated with lower rates of mental health problems, the Telegraph newspaper in Britain reported.”