Alimony a Burden on Men and its Impacts on men's mental well being

Avani Bhatia, Jadetimes Staff Avani Bhatia is a Jadetimes media contributor covering legal news and updates.

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Image Source: (13angle/Getty)

Alimony disputes can significantly impact men's mental health, often leading to heightened feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. Following a divorce, many men experience a profound sense of loss, not only of their marital relationship but also of their identity and social support systems. This emotional turmoil can be exacerbated by societal expectations that discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, leading to a dangerous cycle of internalized emotions and increased stress levels. Studies indicate that divorced men are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues, including major depressive disorder, and they face an elevated risk of suicide compared to their married counterparts. Furthermore, the financial strain associated with alimony can intensify these mental health challenges. Concerns about meeting financial obligations while navigating legal disputes can create significant anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, particularly if the man feels that the alimony demands are unfair or excessive. This pressure may lead some men to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, further compounding their mental health struggles. The lack of emotional support during this tumultuous time often leaves men feeling isolated and overwhelmed, which can make the prospect of suicide seem like an escape from their burdens.

Research indicates that men are disproportionately affected by suicide following divorce. A study noted that men are nine times more likely to commit suicide than women after a divorce, suggesting that the emotional and financial toll can be particularly devastating for men. This disparity raises critical questions about the support systems available to men during and after marital breakdowns.

Victims of Alimonial Suicide

A 33-year-old man from Ludhiana, Karanveer Bhatti, died after consuming poison due to the stress of alimony demands from his in-laws during a divorce. His family reported that he had been struggling with the financial burden imposed by his wife's family, which ultimately led him to take this drastic step on June 10, 2024.

The tragic case of Atul Subhash highlights the severe emotional and financial burdens that alimony can impose on husbands post-divorce, potentially leading some to view suicide as an escape from their overwhelming circumstances. Subhash, a 34-year-old deputy general manager, faced relentless legal harassment from his estranged wife, who filed multiple cases against him, including serious allegations like murder and dowry harassment. His situation underscores how the complexities of alimony disputes can escalate into profound distress. The Supreme Court's recent ruling on alimony, which emphasizes various factors such as financial stability and standard of living, aims to provide clarity in these disputes. However, for individuals like Subhash, the pressure of potential lifelong financial obligations and legal battles can become unbearable, leading to devastating outcomes.

Cultural beliefs of Masculinity

Cultural ideas about masculinity have a huge impact on disastrous outcomes for men, particularly in terms of mental health and emotional well-being. Traditional ideals of masculinity frequently emphasize attributes such as toughness, stoicism, and dominance, which can lead to men suppressing their emotions and avoiding seeking help in times of difficulty. This phenomenon, also known as toxic masculinity, creates an atmosphere in which sensitivity is viewed as weakness, forcing males to follow rigid gender standards that limit emotional expression and support-seeking behaviors. As a result, men facing hardships such as divorce or alimony disputes may feel alone and overwhelmed, certain that they must "man up" and manage their problems on their own.

The cultural expectation for males to maintain power and control can lead to harmful coping techniques like substance addiction or hazardous conduct, which deteriorates their mental health.

Furthermore, failure to satisfy these male norms can cause internal turmoil, leading to feelings of inadequacy and despair. Men may feel imprisoned between societal standards and personal challenges, resulting in terrible results when they believe they have no other alternatives. Finally, the cultural framing of masculinity has an impact not just on individual mental health outcomes, but also on cycles of violence and emotional suffering among communities, emphasizing the critical need for a new definition of masculinity that values vulnerability and emotional expression.

In conclusion, while the complexities of alimony and custody battles can lead to devastating outcomes, it is crucial to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and support rather than resorting to despair. The legal system must evolve to address these challenges effectively, ensuring that, no one feels trapped or alone in their struggles. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can work towards a future where emotional well-being is prioritized alongside legal justice, preventing further tragedies like that of Atul Subhash.

Unveiling the Archaeological Mystery of Stonehenge's Missing Megaliths

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Mike Pitts

Stonehenge, an iconic prehistoric monument, continues to captivate archaeologists and enthusiasts alike with its enigmatic history. Located on Salisbury Plain, this ancient structure is not only a testament to human ingenuity but also a source of endless intrigue, particularly regarding its long-lost megaliths. These monumental stones, which once formed a complete circle, have perplexed scholars for centuries. Recent archaeological discoveries and advanced technology are gradually unraveling this mystery, shedding light on the construction, purpose, and fate of the missing elements of Stonehenge.

The awe-inspiring alignment of Stonehenge with the winter solstice sunset is no coincidence, as archaeologists believe it was meticulously designed by its builders. However, 4,500 years ago, the spectacle was even more impressive, marked by additional upright pairs of stones. Today, only a few of these megaliths remain, the rest having vanished over the millennia. Early plans and sketches dating back to the 16th century provide a glimpse of how the site appeared in earlier times, but modern excavations reveal that half the stones have been moved or lost entirely. Restoration efforts in the 20th century ensured the stability of the remaining structure but also underscored the extent of its transformation.

Excavations have uncovered evidence of pits and cavities that once held the missing stones, suggesting a more expansive original layout. The Aubrey Holes, a circle of 56 pits discovered in the 17th century, may have housed smaller stones known as bluestones, transported from Wales. These discoveries challenge earlier assumptions and raise new questions about whether Stonehenge was ever fully completed. Evidence from nearby sites further complicates the narrative, with some theorizing that stones were relocated or repurposed over time.

Damage inflicted by centuries of human activity has also contributed to the loss of megaliths. Visitors in the 19th century were known to chip away fragments as souvenirs, leaving visible scars on the stones. Laser surveys conducted in 2012 revealed the extent of this damage, confirming the destructive impact of human interference. Some stones, such as the Slaughter Stone, bear marks of attempted removal, while others appear to have been broken and taken away entirely.

The fate of the missing stones is a subject of ongoing debate. While no sarsen stones have been located beyond the site, fragments of bluestones have surfaced in unexpected places, including gardens and museums. Notably, a geological breakthrough in 2024 traced the origins of the Altar Stone, a unique sandstone bluestone, to northeastern Scotland. This discovery highlights the remarkable distances these stones traveled and the enduring fascination they inspire.

Stonehenge remains a symbol of mystery and resilience. Its incomplete circle and missing elements invite speculation about the motivations and capabilities of its creators. Each new finding enriches our understanding of this prehistoric marvel, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient societies. As researchers continue to explore its secrets, Stonehenge stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring quest to connect with the past and unravel the stories etched into its enduring stones.

Many American Teenagers are Declining from Drinking, Smoking, and Marijuana, Survey Reported

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes News

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering Health News

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Image Source: John Minchillo

New York City, New York – Teen drug users have not rebounded from their decrease during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results from an enormous annual national survey published Tuesday, December 18.

About two-thirds of 12th-grade participants this year reported they had not used any substances including alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. That leads to the lead proportion declining since the survey that began investigating abstinence in 2017.

Along with 10th-grade participants, 80% of them reported that they also use any substances which upgraded another survey, especially, for 8th-grade participants, 90% of them did not use any of them, a similar result as published in the previous survey.

Image Source: Bebetto Matthews

The only significant upgrade occurred in the nicotine pouches. About 6% of 12th-grade participants reported that they interacted with these substances in the previous year, an increase from about 3% in 2023.

According to Spectrum News, “the federally funded Monitoring the Future survey has been operating since 1975. This year’s findings are based on responses from about 24,000 students in grades 8, 10, and 12 in schools nationwide. The survey is ‘one of the best, if not the best’ source of national data for substance use by teens, said Noah Kreski, a Columbia University researcher who has studied teen drug use.”

Early in the pandemic, students were told not to attend school and avoid social gatherings. They were at home, under their parents’ roof. Alcohol and drugs of all forms of substances decreased due to experimentation approaches with friends that peer pressure spurred, according to health experts.

Spectrum News stated that “but marijuana use wasn't falling before the pandemic. And vaping was on the upswing. It was only during the pandemic that those two saw enduring declines, too.”

Some health experts noted that the pandemic lockdown had a dark impact.

Miech confirmed that many teens who used e-cigarettes or other drug substances as an experiment since the ninth grade, sometimes due to older adolescents are repeating the same. However, the kids who were ninth graders during the lockdowns never engaged in these toxic habits and did not have the chance to adapt to the negative impact on their peers.

“The pandemic stopped the cycle of new kids coming in and being recruited to drug use,” said Miech.

Mental health could lead to be a factor. It became increased evidence for early signs of depression and anxiety in children after the pandemic. “Depression is often associated with substance use, but some people with depression and anxiety are very wary of messing with drugs,” said Duncan Clark, a University of Pittsburgh psychiatrist who studied substance use in children.

“Some teens with anxiety are worried about the effects of substances. They may also be socially inhibited and have less opportunity to use drugs," said Clark. "It's a complicated relationship.”