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Working too many hours can cause depression

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A warning to all workaholics:  Working too many hours overtime might greatly increase the chances of you suffering from depression. It has been reported in a number of newspapers this week that a study examining the work habits of more than 2000 UK Civil Servants discovered a credible link between hours worked and the likelihood of suffering from a major bout of depression. In fact, the study stated that working more than 11 hours a day led to a 2.5 times increase in the chance of suffering from severe depression when compared to those working a standard seven or eight hour shift.

It goes without saying the relationship between work and depression is complicated and even the mentioned study does not go so far as to suggest the link is concrete. There is enough evidence, however, to cause most of us to heed the warning. Like riding a motorcycle at high speeds will increase your chances of having an accident, pushing yourself too hard at work will increase the chances of becoming depressed .  You need to have regard for you emotional wellbeing; you need to be honest with yourself and others about the way you feel, and you need to know when to slow things down before you make yourself ill.

Of course, for many of us working long hours is an everyday fact and it is important to remember that there are lots of things you can do reduce your stress levels and improve your mental wellbeing. See our stress management tips to learn more.