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

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 2

Jobs For Depressed People

Answer 3

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 4

A job as a physical fitness trainer may do you well.
If you notice the relationship between anxiety and adrenalin, fight or flight syndrome, as they say, then u may realize the benefits you feel after exerting energy.
And you'd also be helping people do the same.
I couldn't change my job,I worked from home and I had to stop. but dancing about in my spare time,these days, you'd never know I was depressed and suicidal for a large part of my past.
Yes, safer to not drive, brave of you to admit. But don't let that become another anxiety spiral - you were a good driver, you were anxious about other things, not about your ability to drive.
If you still feel the same, doc will sign you off while you look for a new job. Don't take on too much at once, take time to breathe.
Please don't let money start worrying you, either. It's your money or your life...we rarely have the quality of both, to our perfection.
God's Blessings upon you.

Answer 5

It takes alot of time and effort and training to become a firefighter, so I bet it's the depression causing your burnout,- and anyone who has experienced a panic attack, ( many, many of us), knows how hard the darn things be on a persons self confidence-
my advice is to give yourself a break-you have a stressful job, (and one to be proud of), You've seen some things that would be enough to give anyone a touch of post traumatic stress if you've been doing it for any length of time- you are allowed to feel a bit wigged out once in awhile.
Take some refresher courses in your field to rekindle your interest, And also take some relaxation technique training- it truly helps to get through the anxiety-and when you learn how to do that-they aren't so scary anymore-mine pretty much went away after that- Trust Yourself - it'l b ok - and don't be afraid to ask someone else to drive if you arn't feeling good- there is not a damn thing wrong with that- at any rate- the feeling does pass-

Answer 6

If you drive the fire engine, that is a heavy responsibility & not advisable under the influence of meds that make you sleepy!
Could you be relieved of that pressure by talking to your boss, explaining you feel exhausted?
Perhaps he could suggest some time out in a special facility for firemen who are suffering from problems associated with the tough job you do? I think there are such places.

(My ex was a fireman- when he felt you are now feeling, he did nothing about it, & his fire engine sank, because he took his eye off the job... he didn't hurt anyone but that taught him a sharp lesson & he left).

(he then went to university, got 2 master degrees! & he now works with homeless people, which he finds depressing cos of the lack of low cost housing)

Another occupation? Advising firms re: Fire Safety?
Become a Fire Safety Officer - as a side step?
Or have you had enough of that sort of thing?

Answer 7

Why not consider a job as a personal trainer or yoga instructor? Not only do you get the personal satisfaction of working in a "helping profession," you'll also benefit from the physical activity yourself. Many people say that becoming more physically active is a great way to alleviate anxiety and depression.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

Overcome your Depression Without Medication

Answer 9

There are multiple kinds of disorders that deal with anxiety. Although most can manifest in similar ways, these disorders generally occur due to different events in your life. Natural home remedies for anxiety https://tr.im/vaA7k
Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and unnecessary worries about everyday, common events or activities, which can disrupt concentration and lead to other issues, such as depression.

Answer 10

If you feel you need to take a side-step from work for a while, just do it, dont feel ashamed or disappointed with yourself, its quite normal to feel the way you do. Its happened to me. I have had high profile jobs with loads of responsibility, it all just happened within a few days, I just couldnt go to work anymore and rang up and quit just like that. I had loads of personal probs too and the whole lot just blew up at me. It wasnt the nervous breakdown I thought you would get, I didnt go ranting and raving down the street, I just had no energy left for anything or anyone. That was nearly 2 years ago, I did a few simpler type jobs but I just wasnt ready to work, I went crazy almost with lazing around at home, no motivation, watching tv, dont worry you will get over it, it just takes time. Dont go off the anti-depressants yet, see your doctor again about these, you can get ones that dont make you sleepy. I have been job hunting again (I am a 53 year old mum) and although I have lost a bit of confidence it will help me to get back to work but not full-time, just part time or casual. I got out and got with nature to help me, bushwalking, camping, I got myself a campervan. Go for lots of walks wspecially early in the morning, this is not easy but you must do it and I have to keep at it too, it helps clear your mind.