You Can't Buy Happiness
The group surveyed 7500 professionals in well-paying careers such as law and information technology. Ten percent of respondents reported either moderate or severe depression. This was significantly higher than the general population, which reported depression at a rate of 6.3 percent. The general population included all professions as well as the homeless and unemployed.
Lawyers reported the most depression at a rate of 16 percent. Accountants and insurance underwriters came in second with a rate of ten percent. People in IT services, architecture and engineering also had depression rates above the average.
According to Beyondblue deputy chief executive and psychologist, Dr Nicole Highet, the higher rates of depression are most likely due to work pressures. Although white collar workers do not experiences the same financial pressures as people in lower paying jobs, they experience a whole new set of pressures because of their work and their expectations for themselves.
You can learn more about the survey and Beyondblue's work by visting their Web site.
Comments
I always thought depression was higher among the more intelligent and more educated. If you’re going to think for a living, it helps to have racing thoughts.
I’d rather see a study where they compare, say, lawyers against lawyers, rates of depression vs yearly income. Then do the same with doctors-doctors, engineers-engineers, etc.