This week, Kevin McGee, the former civil partner of actor and comedian Matt Lucas, was found dead in his flat after apparently hanging himself. He was 32.

Media reports have referred to Mr McGee’s “heavy” cocaine habit as a possible contributory factor, but there are also indications that he was depressed over the breakdown of his relationship with the Little Britain star. The couple, who “married” in 2006, “divorced” earlier this year.

Mr Lucas, it seems, had found a new partner since the split, but Mr McGee lived alone in Edinburgh and, by all accounts, was lonely. “I hung out with Kevin a few times,” a neighbour was quoted as saying. “I think he was just a bit lonely...He had got himself a dog recently – you could tell he just wanted company.”

Divorce is always difficult and often traumatic. It should never be forgotten that divorce is akin to bereavement – you have lost someone you loved very much and with whom you shared your life. It is, therefore, extremely common for people to become depressed over a divorce, and untreated depression is the main cause of suicide.

A study carried out some years ago by the National Institute for Healthcare Research in Rockville, Maryland indicated that divorcees are three times as likely to kill themselves as people who are married. The Institute said that divorce ranked as the number one factor linked with suicide rates in major US cities, ranking above all other physical, financial and psychological factors.

A study of 13 European countries by the regional European office of the World Health Organisation found that divorce was the only factor linked with suicide in every one of the 13 countries.

While many people suffer mild depression after going through a divorce, the majority recover over time. Some, however, spiral into despair. The sense of loss is immeasurable and they cannot see a way to go on without the person they loved by their side.

Although being like bereavement, divorce does not attract the same level of sympathy as when a partner has died, which can make things even more difficult for someone who is struggling to cope.

The emotional fallout from divorce should never be underestimated, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the relationship breakdown. So if you are struggling to cope or feel severely depressed, please seek help. A visit to your GP is a good start and, if you feel suicidal, the Samaritans are just a ‘phone call away. They can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90.