IntroductionThe Social Issue: Divorce and DepressionAcross the world, divorce is common and known in different societies, some with higher rates than others. According to Irvin (2012), in America there is a divorce every 13 seconds. This represents 6,646 divorces per day and 46,532 divorces per week. This is a social problem within our society that has many negative effects on everyone who faces this situation. The divorce rate in the United States is an issue that is showing an increase in its rates compared to recent decades. According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. There are many reasons for divorce, from “hard” reasons (e.g., abuse and adultery) to “soft” reasons (e.g., psychological and relationship problems). The two most destructive reasons for divorce are physical abuse or alcohol and drug problems, but these are less commonly considered reasons for divorce. The most common grounds for divorce are “minor” grounds. According to William, a recent national survey found that 73 percent of respondents said "lack of commitment" was the main reason for their divorce. Other reasons were “too much arguing, infidelity, marrying too young, unrealistic expectations, lack of equality in the relationship, lack of preparation for marriage and abuse” (William, p10). Divorce is known to be the second most stressful life event, preceded only by the death of a spouse. What is this stress capable of? This sends serious anxiety and depression issues to people's limbic system, as the emotional center of the brain. According to Taylor and Beth (2009), the stress of divorce had pushed people beyond the normal grief experienced in divorce and into clinical depression. "Nearly 15 million American adults, or about 6.7%... middle of paper... will eventually divorce." It is important to understand that the effects of divorce are excluded both for the individuals and for the children involved. Research is underway on the impacts of this social problem which affects both women and men. People depressed by divorce have both been identified as being at high risk for depression and may engage in other high-risk behaviors. The disintegration of their family structure and their idea of ​​an ideal marriage creates distrust and fear about the success of their own marriage. This is not to say that all partners going through divorce will experience these negative effects. In order to minimize the negative effects of divorce-induced depression on their own lives and the lives of others, they need to communicate with each other, which will help manage the distrust and negative consequences children may face in their lives..