Needless to say, some jobs are more difficult than others. Whether you’re dealing with difficult situations or subject matter, or simply in an environment with others who might feel down, some careers tend to have higher rates of depression. According to Health.com, these jobs have increased rates of depression:
• Nursing home and childcare workers
• Food service staff
• Social workers
• Healthcare workers
• Teachers
Of course, working in these jobs does not mean that you’re bound to experience major depression at some point. Fear of developing depression from your line of work should not deter you from pursuing your passion.
Many of these career paths are what some would call “thankless jobs.” Naturally, feelings of worthlessness or insignificance may arise from a lack of recognition for work that is put in. These feelings, along with other symptoms, may signify depression (according to WebMD). These symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, extreme fatigue, feelings of guilt, pessimism, negativity, or worthlessness, insomnia, anxious feelings or thoughts of suicide.
AskDrJob.com states that depression could lead to poor performance at work. Simply asking a coworker if they are okay can begin a conversation that leads to them getting the help that they need. Some depression-preventative measures can be put in place before going to work, such as:
• Going for a short walk before working or during a lunch break
• Attending wellness sessions
• Using workplace resources, such as counseling
Recognizing that there may be an underlying issue is the first step in recovering from depression. Understanding the risks of certain career paths, as well as how to get help, can make you much more successful in your work.
Written by: Emily Brungard
This story originally appeared in Facing Depression in Muncie, a publication of The Facing Project that was organized by the Ingelhart Scholars at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.