Studies Show the Impact Education and Employment have on Mental Health
Millions of people worldwide have struggled with their mental health at a certain point in their lives. Given that it is still widely stigmatized, it is important to identify the potential causes of such disorders. There are a range of factors that can deteriorate our mental health, including neurological, social, environmental, and economic issues. Employment status and level of education are strongly linked to psychological well-being.
In a survey done by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), adults in the United Kingdom reported their experience with depression. According to this study, depression is the highest amongst groups that have not received upper secondary level education. Dr. Williams from News-Medical.net states that lower levels of education have been linked to a “lack of a sense of control, resilience, and access to cultural activities — and exposure to more day-to-day stressors.” These factors could be directly related to depression. People with higher levels of education have more choices and can have a stronger sense of security and control.
The data survey shows a significant difference in the employed population, compared to those actively looking for employment or unemployed. The CDC states that unemployment may be associated to higher rates of depression because of “losses of social contact and status or stress related to income loss.” Therefore, employed groups are less prone to having depression because they have a more stable income and day-to-day social agenda.
