Many people work a lot of overtime at work, which can lead to an increased risk of depression. A new study in the UK shows that those who work more than 11 hours a day for long periods of time have a much higher risk of depression than others.
Researchers at University College London and other institutions reported in the academic journal Science Public Library General Volume that they surveyed the work and mental health status of more than 2,000 civil servants in the United Kingdom and showed that those who worked more than 11 hours a day for long periods of time had more than twice the risk of depression compared to those who worked seven to eight hours a day.
This correlation between work hours and risk of depression persisted even after accounting for other possible influences, such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and job content, with subsequent statistical adjustments.
Researchers therefore caution that people should be aware of the correlation between working too many hours and a high risk of depression, and take care to combine work and rest in their work and life.