It sounds paradoxical but there is a down side of loving your job. It could lead to depression according to a recent study by researchers at South Australia University. Perhaps that is not as surprising as we think. Employees that are absorbed in their work are much more likely to work long hours than employees who don’t enjoy their jobs. And working long hours significantly increases employees’ risk of developing symptoms of major depression even if they love their jobs.
If you are a workaholic and love your job there are some strategies to lower your risk of depression such as: Work for an employer who prioritizes employees’ mental health; Sequester your work phone during nonworking hours as much as possible: checking work texts and emails during nonworking hours can undermine the mental health recovery that those nonworking hours could provide; Spend your nonworking hours engaged in activities that lower risk of depression such as exercise or spending time in nature or engaging in social interactions all of which are linked to lower odds of depression. Example: Consider joining a friend for a jog or a bike ride along a riverside.
If you think you might be depressed as a result of working long hours and the above strategies are not working, you might consider contacting a counselor or psychologist. If you are unsure about next steps, please consider contacting me. I might be able to help you decide next steps. 361.442.9590 or holtadams2002@yahoo.com.