Australia study indicates jobs to blame for 15% of depression cases

China Staff, Sep 2008

According to a recent University of Melbourne study, about 15 percent of working people with depression can attribute their illness directly to their employment. Professors at the University note that the figures indicate that women and low-skilled workers most likely to be affected.

The Australia Associated Press reports that while the figures indicate that one in every six Australians can blame their jobs for their mental state, they do not match the numbers with respect to the number of employees who seek workers compensation for stress-related mental disorders. Nearly 30 times fewet persons apply for compensation under mental heath terms.

Experts called for immediate attention to the substantial and inequitably distributed public health problem, noting efforts were needed to improve job control, moderate demands, and provide more support from supervisors and co-workers.