Could your job make you depressed? Obviously, certain
stress factors can occur in any career, but studies have shown some jobs are more likely to cause depression than others. Various factors such as isolation, dealing with the people in crisis situations, and self-sacrifice account for much of the burnout and depression found in workers in certain fields.
First on the list is
nursing home/childcare workers. Approximately 11% of nursing home or childcare workers report going through a
major depression. This job requires constant personal care for others who are either too old, too ill, or too young to show gratitude or appreciation. The lack of positive reinforcement over time makes it difficult to work in this kind of stressful environment.
Surprisingly,
food service staff ranks just below professional care workers. Waiting tables can be exhausting, often doesn't pay well, and is accompanied by many different people barking at the wait staff all day long. Ten percent of food service staff reported a major depression episode in the past year. When you're working in what is often a thankless job, where people are rude and thoughtless, it’s easy to feel unappreciated and depressed.
Not surprisingly,
social workers are also near the top of the list. This demanding and stressful job requires dealing with dysfunctional families and abused children, not to mention the bureaucratic red tape that can get in the way of helping families in crisis. Dealing with people who are so needy can cause burnout and depression to set in rather quickly.
Healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, therapists and other health professions often attract individuals willing to sacrifice a lot of their time and energy without leaving something for themselves. Long days and irregular hours, not to mention constant exposure to sickness, death, and trauma can raise the stress levels off the charts.
Fifth on the list include
artists, writers, and entertainers. The irregular paychecks, crazy hours, and isolation can easily lend itself to a major depression. These creative types are also prone to mood disorders. As a matter of fact, in men, it’s the job field most likely to be linked to an episode of major depression.
Bipolar disorder is not uncommon among entertainers and artists, nor is depression uncommon in those who feel inclined towards creativity in general. The lifestyle that goes along with such careers can contribute to depression even more.
Other careers with high rates of depression are
teaching, administrative support staff, maintenance and ground workers, financial advisors and accountants and salespeople.
If your dream job falls within any of these categories, don’t stress. It doesn't mean you should change career paths altogether. According to Deborah Legge, PhD, a licensed mental health counselor in Buffalo New York, “There are certain aspects of any job that can contribute to or exasperate depression. Folks with high-stress jobs have a greater chance of managing if they take care of themselves and get the help they need.”
