We might think that the worst job for our mental health is the one that we hate. But, according to research, there are actually some professions where depression, burnout, and people taking their own lives are more common than in others.
In 2019, Business Insider wrote how veterinarians, first responders, doctors, and childcare, construction, and restaurant workers are at a higher risk for the above-mentioned ailments than the general population.
Recently, one person on the Internet asked: “Which job has, hands down, the worst impact on mental health?” And while some of the answers from people reflect statistics from the article, others might be quite surprising.
Bored Panda reached out to the author of this thread, u/VenkyFromAnakapalli, and they kindly agreed to tell us more about what prompted them to ask other Redditors about mentally exhausting jobs. Read our short conversation below!
#21
The people you pick up the phone when you call 911.
They have to endure mostly horrible calls, listen to people die, or people calling with someone they love dying in front of them. And when it’s over the hang up and answer the next call and start over. There’s some great YouTube videos on just how bad it is.
They have to endure mostly horrible calls, listen to people die, or people calling with someone they love dying in front of them. And when it’s over the hang up and answer the next call and start over. There’s some great YouTube videos on just how bad it is.
23points
#22
I will say, that one of the worse I can imagine, would be mining cobalt in Congo.
Everytime I try to hate on my job, I remember there are actually people that are force to labour this way for like a dollar a day and I feel less like I should be b**ching and have nothing to complain about.
Everytime I try to hate on my job, I remember there are actually people that are force to labour this way for like a dollar a day and I feel less like I should be b**ching and have nothing to complain about.
23points
#23
Psychiatric nurse in the psychiatric inpatient hospital. In a state prison. Dealing with death row inmates.
22points
#25
Not the worst, but working in a high kill shelter would be awful. Underpaid, understaffed, and you have to watch innocent animals die everyday just because there’s no room. Like every day. Can’t get close to any of them because there’s a high chance they’ll be dead three days after they get there.
I worked in a no kill shelter and it was still heartbreaking when one of them passed. These animals felt like mine, as I couldn’t responsibly have my own.
I worked in a no kill shelter and it was still heartbreaking when one of them passed. These animals felt like mine, as I couldn’t responsibly have my own.
20points
#26
I spent a summer as a legal intern in the homicide division of the Orange County DA, and much of my job that summer was to review and catalog photos of the victims and crime scenes. Disproportionately children, since it was a job that no one really wants to do (so it’s easy to pass off to interns). I have no idea how anyone does that long term - a few months was more than enough for a lifetime.
19points
#27
My wife is a nurse on a labor and delivery floor and for being touted as "healthcare heroes" they sure do get mistreated. She constantly goes an entire 12 hour shift without restroom breaks or eating or drinking anything, all while taking care of not just mom but baby. She constantly mentions this to her bosses and they give her lip service and empty promises. All while taking verbal abuse from egotistical doctors and the occasional patient. Not sure how you can deliver top of the line patient care without being able to take care of your basic needs.
19points
#28
I work in customer service for insurance and I am told to kill myself/go f**k myself/stupid b***h etc multiple times a week. Also it is my fault that your insurance is so high and you have to choose between paying for insurance and paying for food for your kids…
yep that’s my fault, not your 2 DUI tickets, crashed BMW, 4 speeding tickets, and bad credit.
yep that’s my fault, not your 2 DUI tickets, crashed BMW, 4 speeding tickets, and bad credit.
18points
#29
Corrections Officer. Nightmare all day every day.
17points
#30
Therapist. Listening to people's problems for 8 hrs everyday will be extremely taxing.
13points