One-third of U.S. workers depressed

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NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The health of employed U.S. workers is trending downward and one in three experiences one or more symptoms of clinical depression, researchers say.

A report by the Families and Work Institute also says 28 percent of employees report that their overall health is "excellent," down from 34 percent six years ago.

The report also reveals:

-- 41 percent of employees report experiencing three or more indicators of stress sometimes, often or very often.

-- One in five employees has trouble falling asleep very often or fairly often, and 31 percent awaken too early and have trouble falling back to sleep.

-- 21 percent are treated for high blood pressure and 14 percent are treated for high cholesterol.

The report says 49 percent of U.S. employees have not engaged in regular physical exercise in the last 30 days, including 22 percent not engaging in any rigorous physical exercise. One in four U.S. workers smokes.

Having paid vacations bode well for personal health and well-being, as well as intent to stay in one's job, the study says.

The study used data from the National Study of the Changing Workforce, which surveys the U.S. workforce every five years. Sample sizes average about 3,500, including wage and salaried employees, as well as self-employed workers.