A study by Danish researchers concluded that divorce may have a worse negative impact on a person’s mental well-being than previously thought. Denmark allows divorce within five days of application allowing researchers to focus on the immediate consequence of divorce, not muddied by a prolonged separation.

The researchers recommended early support to help people “navigate” a divorce particularly if it becomes hostile.

Study Finds reports:

COPENHAGEN — Divorce, no matter the reason, is a stressful and painful experience for most people end a marriage. Now, a study out of Denmark warns splitting up is even worse for a person’s physical and mental health than previously realized. That’s especially the case the nastier a divorce is for a couple.

Conducted by scientists at the University of Copenhagen, that the mental and physical health of recent divorcees was worse than other people’s and that higher levels of conflict predicted worse mental health, regardless of other factors. They found that understanding the effects could assist medics in designing interventions that help divorcees to get back on their feet and avoid long-term repercussions. […]

“The mental and physical health of divorcees was significantly worse than the comparative background population immediately following divorce,” says co-author Dr. Soren Sander.

READ: Divorce more damaging to one’s health immediately after split than realized

Of course, we shouldn’t forget the potential negative impact divorce has on children. Here are just a few of the studies:

READ: Divorce really does have a negative impact on children: Study shows boys over seven are most like to behave badly if their parents are separated

READ: William Watson: Surprise! Child poverty in Canada comes from divorce, not capitalism

READ: Amicable divorce ‘is just as damaging for children’: Impact of a split on youngsters is same if couple remain friends or not

READ: Children of divorce ‘more likely to drink, fail exams, develop eating disorders and do drugs