The truth is that every
job has its own share of stress. Some of the things that make a job
stressful are high client demand, long working hours and the emotional
trauma involved. Most people have found ways of dealing with and
overcoming stress. However, many are unable to handle the demands and
stress of their job. In extreme cases, such people might end up
committing suicide.
Here are some of the careers with the highest suicide rates:
1. Scientists
The
work of a scientist can be very demanding. Scientists are usually under
intense pressure to innovate and discover, as well as regularly publish
new findings. The fierce, and at times cut-throat, competition in the
industry can end up being very stressful for scientists. In addition,
scientists are prone to stress especially when they discover something
harmful in their research. Others spend long days at work, and still
have to spend time on research. Such factors can lead to depression and
suicidal tendencies.
2. Police officers
The work of a police
officer is very attractive to many people, especially to young children.
However, the work of a police officer can be very dangerous and
stressful. Cops are often required to work long hours with little rest.
In addition, they often find themselves dealing with stressful
situations such as accidents, fires and murders. As a result, many
police officers are likely to suffer from depression, which could lead
to suicide.
3. Stock brokers
Working in the financial sector
comes with a lot of risk. Since stock brokers are responsible for
managing other people’s money, they are always under a lot of pressure
to deliver. However, the stock market by nature is very volatile. Due to
uncontrollable economic factors, prices of stock can drop dramatically
within a matter of days, thus resulting in great losses for investors.
This rollercoaster nature of the stock market can be very stressful for
stockbrokers. While some weather the storms, others are likely to sink
into depression and eventually commit suicide.
4. Real estate agents
Just
like stock broking, the real estate industry is also a high reward,
high risk career. When the property market is strong, real estate agents
can make millions of dollars. However, when there is an oversupply of
housing, the prices of property can plummet dramatically leaving real
estate agents broke. In addition, there is always intense competition
between realtors, which leads to more stress. This is why many real
estate agents end up committing suicide.
5. General Doctors
Besides
working long hours, doctors have to deal almost daily with patients who
are suffering all kinds of ailments. Some of the patients might even
end up dying in their care. This is likely to leave doctors stressed and
depressed. In addition, doctors might find it difficult to seek
professional help when they suffer a mental disorder such as depression.
This is due to the fear of ruining their reputation. As a result, they
are likely to sink deeper into depression and ultimately commit suicide.
6. Farmers
Farming
can be a very profitable and fulfilling career. However, farmers at
times incur great losses due to poor weather, natural calamities,
diseases and even sabotage. In addition, there is also the risk of
losing money due to unfavorable market prices. As a result, farmers are
likely to experience depression on a regular basis.
7. Lawyers
Most
lawyers experience a significant level of stress during their work.
Corporate lawyers have to work long hours to prepare policies and
represent their companies. Legal counsels are usually under intense
pressure to offer definitive answers. Criminal lawyers are under
pressure to defend their clients, whether innocent or not. All this
pressure can easily lead to suicide.
8. Construction managers
Construction
site managers are responsible for ensuring that everything in the
building plan goes as planned. With limited budgets, short timelines and
large teams to manage, this is usually a very high pressure job. The
stress involved can easily lead into depression and suicide.
9. Surgeons
To
begin with, going through medical school and residence can be very
stressful. The pressure goes up a notch when you become a practicing
surgeon. Apart from the long hours at work, there is always the
possibility of losing the person you are operating on. This can lead to
depression, and at times suicide.
10. Chiropractors
Chiropractic
is a very sensitive practice where anything can go wrong during the
treatment of a patient. In some countries, the practice of chiropractics
is not covered by insurance. As a result, chiropractors are likely to
find themselves facing lawsuits from their clients. The paperwork and
bills involved in lawsuits can lead to depression and even suicide.
What other high pressure careers do you know of? Share with us in the comments section below.
