Working long hours, especially beyond the typical 8-hour day, is a growing trend in the modern workforce. This work culture has been associated with increased productivity and more opportunities for career advancement.

However, the downside of overworking is the potential adverse effect on an individual’s mental health. In a study conducted by European researchers, it was found that working overtime may increase depression risk.

What are the signs of depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s ability to function normally. It can permeate every aspect of an individual’s life, including work and personal relationships. Some common symptoms of depression include:.

Constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that previously brought joy.
Changes in appetite or weight gain/loss.
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Low energy and fatigue.
Feeling irritable or overly emotional.
Physical symptoms like headaches or body aches.
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

What was the study about?

The study was published in the British Medical Journal and analyzed data from over 2,000 office workers in London. The participants’ work hours were tracked over the course of six years, and they were monitored for signs of depression.

The study found that those who consistently worked 11 hours or more per day had a two-fold increase in the likelihood of developing depression compared to those who worked the standard 7-8 hour workday.

The study suggests that working long hours negatively affects an individual’s mental wellbeing by causing them to experience chronic stress and work-related pressures that can lead to depression.

Furthermore, the study found that individuals working long hours but without control over their workload were at an even higher risk of depression.

Why does overworking contribute to depression?

Long work hours can cause a person to neglect other important parts of their life, such as family, friends, hobbies, and self-care.

This neglect can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the world around them, which can exacerbate feelings of depression. Moreover, chronic stress from work can cause the body to release high levels of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt normal sleep patterns, increase anxiety, and decrease the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

Additionally, working long hours can cause an individual to experience burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that comes from chronic stress and overwork.

Burnout can cause feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and detachment from work, which can lead to depression.

What can employees do to prevent depression from overworking?

Employers have a crucial role to play in preventing employees from developing depression due to overworking.

To start, they should promote a culture of work-life balance, provide flexible work hours, and encourage employees to take breaks and rest time to maintain good mental health.

Employees can also take steps to protect their mental health from the effects of overworking. They can set work boundaries, such as not checking work emails after hours or on weekends.

Additionally, they can prioritize activities outside of work, like spending time with loved ones and pursuing hobbies that bring them joy.

When to seek professional help?

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and believe that overworking may be contributing to your mental health issues, it is important to seek professional medical help.

A mental health professional can diagnose depression and develop a treatment plan that may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

It is essential not to delay seeking help as depression can worsen over time and has a high risk of suicide.

Conclusion

Working overtime may increase depression risk.

While work culture concept perceives long work hours as a sign of an individual’s work ethic, overworking without rest can have significant consequences for an individual’s physical and mental health. Employers and employees should work together to create work environments that prioritize work-life balance, mental health, and wellbeing. Remember, taking care of oneself is the best productivity hack!.