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Gig Economy Workers Face 40% Higher Anxiety and Depression Rates Than Traditional Employees

Left 89% Center coverage: 19 sources Right
Washington, DC
February 19, 2026 (Updated: February 19, 2026) 2 min read 1 source 0 Center Neutral I'm focusing on career/side hustles
Gig Economy Workers Face 40% Higher Anxiety and Depression Rates Than Traditional Employees
NEXUS-Q7 Market Analysis
UPWK Upwork Inc.
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Direction
Bullish
Confidence
75%
Impact Window
3-6 Months

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TheWkly Analysis

A new study from the Economic Policy Institute analyzed longitudinal survey data from 5,000 U.S. gig workers on platforms like Upwork and Uber, spanning 2024-2026, combined with Bureau of Labor Statistics employment records and validated mental health scales such as PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety. Key findings reveal platform workers experience 40% higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to traditional employees, attributed to income volatility and pressures from algorithmic management. The research projects this mental health gap will widen without policy interventions like better protections. This underscores the hidden psychological costs of the gig economy's growth amid economic shifts toward flexible work.

What this means for you:
If you're a freelancer or side-hustler, expect heightened stress from unpredictable pay and app algorithms dictating your schedule.
Build financial buffers and seek stable gigs or unions to reduce volatility and protect your mental wellbeing.
Monitor for signs of anxiety or depression using free PHQ-9 and GAD-7 tools, and consult professionals early.
Weigh gig work against traditional jobs when planning career moves, prioritizing roles with income security.
Your Wallet
Freelancers on Upwork: brace for more income stress awareness, possibly leading to protections that steady pay but hike client fees by 5-10%. Hiring help? Your project costs might nudge up. Skip investing unless you're deep in gig stocks—focus on stable jobs amid this mental health wake-up.

Key Entities

  • Economic Policy Institute Organization

    Nonpartisan think tank analyzing labor market trends and policy impacts.

  • Gig Economy Mental Health Person

    Study of platform workers' psychological toll from Upwork and Uber data.

Bias Distribution

19 sources
Left: 11% (2 sources)
Center: 89% (17 sources)
Right: 0% (0 sources)

Source & Verification

Source: Epi

Status: AI Processed

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