Overall, 7% of full-time workers in the USA had a major depressive episode last year, according to a report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. People working in 'personal care and service occupations' (which includes child care, assisting the elderly, and helping the severely disabled) had the highest rate - 10.8% - followed by those preparing and serving food, with 10.3%.

Women had higher rates than men, so that the highest rates for women, found with food preparation and serving, was 14.8%, while the highest for men was in design, the arts, entertainment, sports, and media - 6.7%. Health care workers and social workers tied for third place. And the lowest rate (4.4%) was found with engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Not surprisingly, unemployment carried a higher rate - 12.7% - than those in full employment (7%) or part-time employment (9.3%). So work is clearly a good thing, from the depression point of view. You just have to have the right sort of work. One occupation that may not have been covered by the survey is that of caregiver. It ought to fall within the first category, but many full-time caregivers are, in fact, family members doing it without pay. And depression in caregivers is a well-known risk. I'd venture to say it's almost inevitable when the relationship to the patient is close, and the outcome is distressing. Other family members must bring the necessary understanding and practical assistance.