Children of divorced parents may be more likely to become depressed and consider suicide, according to a new study from the University of Toronto. Separated couples who notice symptoms of mood disorders in their children may benefit from getting them help from a drug rehab and mental health facility.

After studying more than 6,600 adult participants, the team of researchers reported in the journal Psychiatric Research that those who experienced parental divorce before turning 18 were significantly more likely to consider suicide.

The effect was most prominent among males, who were found to be at more than three times the risk of suicidal thoughts than the general population. Females whose parents separated were also significantly more likely to consider taking their own life.

Stressors like parental addiction and unemployment were also shown to increase the likelihood that an individual's would consider suicide.

The researchers cautioned that their findings are not meant to panic divorced parents. Children of separated parents are not destined to commit suicide. However, the findings do suggest that divorced mothers and father may benefit from keeping an eye on the mood of their offspring.