Long working day could cause depression

By Hannah Thomas  on Thursday 26 January 2012

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Rex Features

Office workers who spend long days at their desks are doubling their risk of depression, according to a new study that also suggests women are more susceptible.

British researchers found that those who spend more than 55 hours a week in the office are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from depression. According to the study, women, younger people and those on in a low pay bracket are most at risk.

More than 2,000 Whitehall civil servants were recruited for the project, which found a robust association between overtime and depression. Of those questioned, 66 had experienced a major depressive episode.

The researchers from London and Finland found that higher earnings, enjoyment and staff support could buffer the onset of depression, but women in high-earning jobs were more likely to suffer depression due to the likelihood of juggling multiple responsibilities outside work.

'People working very long hours may be working lessefficiently,' says co-author Professor Stephen Stansfeld, of Queen Mary, University of London. 'They need to be thinking about their health, and what stress it may be causing in their home life as well,'

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Thursday 26 January 2012

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