Which jobs are most likely tocause depression?What jobs lead to feelings of depression?
Every jobhas its stressesbut some careers can weigh more heavily on mental health than others. In this section ofSelMagzwe will introduce jobs that are more likely to lead to depression.
7% of people in various countries experience depression each year, often due to choosing the wrong job; a role where they feel unmotivated can result in depression and stress. Stressful jobs with low pay and those that do not earn societal respect are more likely to lead to depression. Some of these jobs include:
Home Health Aide
If you take care of vulnerable individuals or children, you may be at a high risk for depression. According to a 2007 study, 21% of those in this profession report symptoms of depression, especially those working full-time. Part-time workers may experience less depression, but full-time caregivers often face mental strain due to low pay and poor working conditions.
Food Service
Typically, waitstaff and servers do not encounter friendly customer behavior, and their income is usually low, placing them under significant stress. All these factors can lead to mental and emotional pressure, increasing their risk of depression.
Social Workers
Working in the community has numerous benefits but also carries a lot of stress. Social workers routinely interact with individuals facing mental health challenges. Engaging with these families or affected children demands great emotional resilience and likely presents daily challenges that elevate the risk of depression.
Healthcare Workers
Doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians earn good wages, yet they often work long hours under stressful conditions. They constantly deal with the emotional challenges of their patients, which can take a toll on their mental health. You might only see the perks of this job portrayed in movies, but it isn’t suitable for everyone, and only individuals with strong emotional resilience should pursue it.
Artists
Artists require creativity—a great asset for mental well-being. However, many may not earn enough and spend long hours in solitude, leading to dissatisfaction with their careers. This is why many bestselling authors and famous painters experience depression at some point in their lives.
Dissatisfied Teachers
Teaching can be one of the toughest careers anyone can choose. If you enter this profession without passion, you may expect signs of depression since many teachers earn low income, face high stress levels, and manage difficult student behaviors. They also endure pressure from their superiors, all of which contributes to potential depression.
Office Work
Working in an office with others can be exciting, but sometimes the work becomes too dry and repetitive with no potential for advancement, making it hard for you to show up and work your way. This can lead to stress, unhappiness, and depression. Many people take office jobs for high salaries or full benefits, without enjoying the work itself.
Repairs
Individuals involved in various repair jobs like plumbing or machinery might initially feel satisfied with the meaningful work they do. However, over time, the monotony and excessive interaction with machinery can lead to feelings that their work is dull and unfulfilling, which can negatively impact their emotions and increase depression risks.
Financial Roles like Accounting
Accountants and financial managers spend a lot of time working with numbers. You must love working with figures; otherwise, this job won’t suit you and may lead to feelings of depression over time.
Salesperson
The selling profession can become monotonous over time. Most importantly, individuals frequently face financial stress, unsure about their sales for a given day. This fear of spending money arises from job insecurity, potentially leading to negative outcomes.
Happiest Jobs: Architect, Engineer, and Statistician
It may surprise you, but the jobs mentioned have some of the lowest depression rates. Despite all the issues discussed above, remember that unemployment is the greatest contributor to depression, and having a job you dislike is still better than being jobless.
