what are some good jobs for people with depression and anxiety ?

Question

if theres any one out there that changed there jobs because of there depression and anxiety,what are they doing now and did it help. i work in the fire fighting service and i am starting to feel like i should hang it up for a while. is this like giving up and giving in to your depression are is it what has to be done if i think my job is part of the problem. i feel bad about giving up the job because i know there are guys out there that would love to do the sort of thing i do. but maybe i am raeching burn out stage. haveing anxiety attacts why i am driving the other guys around. there lives depend on me what if i cause a accident and kill some one are crash the fire truck into a building, i dont feel like i have any choice, i have no ideas what to do. if i could find a new job i would take it but its hard to find any thing where i am at. the only thing that has helped is meds but there not 100% and they make me tired all the time thats all most worst.

Answer 1

I guess that you got into your field because you enjoyed it????

If so, then try to work it out...not only using medications. Have you tried to talk with the Employee Assistance Program representative, or staff psychologist? If you run from your job, it will just catch up with you in your next role/job...it always does.

Please don't run. Face your issues and deal with them. You have a tough job, but all jobs are tough in their own ways...

Good luck and I hope you find a great therapist to help you out!

Answer 2

It's clear that your current job isn't helping your mental health. I'm not so sure that a change of jobs is what you need though. Perhaps you can take some time out? The underlying problems to do with your anxiety and depression are needing dealt with. It's not easy. I see a psychologist and it helps. I understand more about why I am the way I am, but it's hard to stay on track and try to understand myself. I got a CD with a relaxation technique on it, off a councillor. It was a bit weird but does help. Anyway, what I'm saying is get some more help before you change your job. Only you know what you can do.

Answer 3

Someone once said that trying to function "normally" with depression is like trying to run with a broken leg. If a runner lets his or her leg heal before starting up again, they're not giving in to the broken leg, they're doing what they need to get better. And usually they don't try to put a cast on their own leg and doctor themselves through it.

If you can speak to a good counselor and/or acquaintance whose judgement you respect (and who hopefully has some knowledge about your type of job), it wouldn't hurt to bounce your thoughts off of them. I'd be careful about asking someone who's very close to you, though, sometimes they're too emotionally tied to you to give unbiased feedback. That's your call, though.

Are there still parts of your job that you find satisfying and that you feel capable of performing? Is there a way to rework your job (temporarily at first to see how the changes go) so you're not leaving it, but aren't in a position where you're worried about your or someone else's safety if you have a panic attack? Do you still want to be a part of the fire-fighting community, or do you feel you might need a break? What have you done outside of work (to relax, volunteering, as a hobby, etc) that might give you clues to other job options?

Most emergency services have a high burn-out rate (I'm guessing you already know that), so they usually have a good network of therapists and mental health/disability resources...if you don't know anyone you feel you can talk to about this, or can't find a counselor, you should be able to get some recommendations from your Human Resources department. If you think it's more the depression than the job itself causing problems, this would probably be a good option to try before leaving.

Also, if the medication is tiring you out so badly, it's worthwhile asking about other kinds that won't have that side effect. I had to try a few before finding that Welbutrin worked best for me.

One thing I'd strongly advise from personal experience...don't ever feel you should stay in a situation because other people think it's great. What matters isn't how anyone else sees it, it's what your job does or doesn't do to give you 1. a means of survival for you and anyone you're supporting, 2. a sense of purpose and satisfaction, and 3. a chance to develop your skills and interests. I know it's hard to think of some of these things through the depression filter, but it can help you give a stronger sense of control, and remind yourself of who you are and what's important to you.

Just so you know, I'm going through the same problem with major depression, sleep disorders, and my job. I thought about resigning, but they offered to put me on medical leave for a couple of months to focus on getting better before taking a look at if I want to return or find other work. I'm not getting paid except for some freelance work, but it's taken a lot of pressure off and given me some time to see my options more clearly. I just need to be careful to keep some structure in my day and spend time with people.

I hope some of this helps...you're definitely not alone, and I wish you the best of luck with whatever path you take to get on your feet again.

Answer 4

I thought the Fire Service had counsellors.If they have try talking to them maybe they can arrange time off work with pay.You may need a break can you afford a weekend away it might help you to relax which in turn will help the anxiety attacks.Good Luck

Answer 5

I feel that you are definately in the wrong job for somebody with your problem. Try something, where you don't have to deal with the public.

Answer 6

comedy and any humourous job is a sure way out of depression. scientifically lauhter and comedy have been proven to cure depresion ( see sources below

Answer 7

Maybe testing video games or being a tourguide... something that is light and where there is no pressure.

Answer 8

go on the sick and stay on it till they offer you redundancy

Answer 9

try the post office.

Answer 10

prostitution