PROVIDING CARE MAY ENDANGER YOUR HEALTH
People working in the personal care and service industry have the highest rates of depression of any industry, according to a new survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Nearly 11 percent of workers in that industry experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, compared to an overall average of 7 percent for all industries. A major depressive episode is defined as two weeks or longer of a depressed mood, as well as other symptoms such as loss of interest in activities and problems with sleeping, eating and maintaining energy. The findings may be of interest to legislators who are trying to find ways to increase retention in the personal care industry.
The next highest rates of depression were found in the food service industry, followed by community and social services and health-care workers. Periods of depression were more common among women than men. The lowest rates were found among engineers, architects and surveyors.
Researchers declined to speculate as to why one industry had more depressed workers than others. But they noted that depression costs U.S. industries between $30 billion and $44 billion per year.
Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) among Full-time Workers Aged 18 to 64, by Demographic Characteristics and Occupational Categories: 2004-2006 Combined
Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) among Persons Aged 18 to 64, by Employment Status: 2004-2006 Combined
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Depression among Adults Employed Full-Time, by Occupational Category,” The NSDUH Report, October 11, 2007. http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/depression/occupation.pdf
© Copyright 2007, State Health Notes
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