British economist from the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire compared data on mental health of men and women aged between 40 and 50. Both says that people are mostly happy at the beginning and the twilight of their life, but most suffer depression during their middle-aged years.
Researchers at the Warwick University say British men and women suffers peak in their depression when they reach 44. In the U.S. however, women's unhappiness slump at the age of 40 while American men peaks their depression at 50.
Both agreed that the U-shape pattern in men's life cycle is consistent around the world and depression occurs to everyone regardless of marital status, changes in job or income of offspring.
Andrew Oswald, co-author of the study says, "Some people suffer more than others but in our data the average effect is large. It happens to men and women, to single and married people, to rich and poor, and to those with and without children. Nobody knows why we see this consistency."
He said depression arrives slowly.
"Only in their 50s do most people emerge from the low period. But encouragingly, by the time you are 70, if you are physically fit then on average you are as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year-old," said Oswald.
