Health: Secret illness of the unhappy worker

Most people who think they are suffering from stress at work are in fact depressed, a psychiatrist claims. Dr David Baldwin, consultant psychiatrist at the Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton, said: "Sometimes people are not well matched to their jobs or have been promoted above a level they feel happy with ... or they are frustrated or bored." The symptoms of stress resemble those of depression, and, if left untreated, can lead to a worsening of the problem. The key is to seek help early, he said.

"Coping with stress at work", an audio programme of DIY strategies produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, is available from Talking Life, PO Box 1, Wirral, L47 7DD, pounds 13.99.