Major depressive disorder or unipolar depression is a clinical mental health disorder that’s much more serious than the occasional blues. People with depression struggle with symptoms like extreme sadness, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and even thoughts of suicide. In the midst of this, it can be difficult to hold onto a job or search for employment. If your current career isn’t doing your mental health any good, or you don’t know where to start with the job hunt, here are 12 jobs for people with depression you can look into.
12 Best Jobs for People With Depression
You may assume that the best jobs for depression are the ones where you sit behind a desk or the ones where you’ll make the most money, but this isn’t true. Everyone is different, and even if you share certain symptoms of depression with other people who have the same diagnosis, a job that positively contributes to their mental health may not contribute to yours.
Another important aspect to consider when searching for careers for people with depression is your skillset. For many, the security and confidence that comes from consistently good performance provide a sense of achievement that can greatly improve your mental health. It’s also crucial to consider your stress points and past job experiences that did more harm to your mental health, no matter the good it did to your wallet.
With this in mind, below are some of the best jobs for people with depression you should consider.
Computer Programming
Mathematically gifted people or people who love to work with computers can learn to code, get well-paying experience, and find employment that gives them the space to work on their mental well-being. Once you find your footing in computer programming, you can either work for a company, sometimes remotely, or work as a freelance programmer.
Because there are dozens of different programming languages, such as PHP, JavaScript, Python, and HTML, you can either learn several or become an industry expert on one to succeed in that niche. After just a few years of experience, you can often create your own schedule, work from home, and choose who you want to work with.
Art
Creative work like jewelry making, carpentry, or making printed t-shirts with graphics are all great ways to make jobs out of hobbies. With online platforms like Etsy, creating and selling handmade products has become even easier. Making art is also a great way to set your own schedule and focus on creating things you love.
You can choose to work remotely and on your own, or you can partner with other people with whom you want to work. This kind of job also provides the satisfaction of working with your hands and seeing nearly immediate results, which can do wonders for your mental health. There are meet-ups and networking events with other like-minded individuals.
When you work as a freelance artist, you can also set aside time to care for your mental health. This means you can find time to exercise, go to therapy or support groups, and get enough sleep.
Pet Sitting or Walking
Spending time with animals is great for your mental health, which is why many mental health facilities offer equine-assisted therapy to their clients. Additionally, walking dogs outside or pet sitting offers opportunities for regular exercising and spending time with animals. Especially if you’re an animal lover, this job is guaranteed to boost your serotonin levels and improve your mood.
Taking up pet sitting or dog walking also lets you spend time with animals if you live in a place that doesn’t allow pets. Many apartments have restrictions about animals, or you may have a child with allergies, or maybe you just can’t afford the additional costs of a pet. Spending time with animals through pet sitting or dog walking grants you access to animals without the added complications of owning one.
Furthermore, like the other career options we previously mentioned, having a pet sitting or dog walking business gives you the freedom to make your own schedule and make time for self-care and the people you love.
Horticulture
Horticulture, including gardening, landscaping, working in a greenhouse, working in a plant nursery, or even working in the gardening section of a local home supply store, are all good jobs for people with depression. Not only do you work outdoors and get your daily vitamin D, but you also have an opportunity to get some exercise, stay on your feet, and work with your hands in a field that allows you to be creative.
You can even establish your own business or work for a specific company when it comes to landscaping or gardening. You can set your own hours, as well, allowing you more time to practice self-care or spend time with your loved ones.
Librarian
Reading is a great form of relaxation for many people. A good book acts as a doorway to another world for many people, which can be beneficial to someone with depression. If you’re a book lover, being a librarian can be a great job for you. You’d be surrounded by books all day and have the satisfaction of ensuring they’re all neatly organized.
You can help people both young and old with research, find their next favorite book, or access resources with no problem. If you’re a history buff, you can work in the archives section of a library, helping people with research for school projects or genealogy questions. Libraries are also known for being quiet spaces, which ensures that you’re unlikely to ever be subjected to a loud workspace.
Postal Service
Postal service also offers great job opportunities for people with depression. While the hours and location may vary depending on your position, postal service workers enjoy lots of time outside and interact with people throughout the day while still getting comfortable alone time. Additionally, because postal workers interact with many people, they’re able to build lasting connections with people in their communities.
There’s also the added satisfaction of getting your deliveries checked off for the day, every day, and having the alone time you need to listen to a good podcast or music. As a government job, the postal service also provides good benefits and a decent salary.
Transcriptionist
If you have good hearing and solid typing skills, working as a transcriptionist might be just the thing for you. Transcriptionists transcribe audio into text for various clients, including people in the medical, legal, and other fields.
Transcriptionists also tend to be remote employees, which is great for someone with depression. Another bonus of being a transcriptionist is that you get to spend time alone and create your own schedule, which is great for someone who gets burnt out easily with social interactions.
However, excess alone time in a job is something to consider if you have depression. Too much alone time might only contribute to your symptoms rather than alleviate them, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor or therapist before choosing a job or new position.
Freelance Writer
If you enjoy writing, want to make a living out of it, but don’t want to be confined to a schedule or have to interact with people, freelance writing might be a great option for you. You can work for various clients, which means you’ll work on different projects regularly. As with the other positions we mentioned, you’ll also have the flexibility of making your own schedule and have time to do other things that are important to you.
If you’re interested in freelance work, you’re not limited to writing. You can be a computer programmer, web designer, and more.
Security
No matter where you live, there are usually openings for security job positions in your area. Security guards work in various venues, from concerts to corporate office buildings to construction sites. Many companies also need security workers for night shifts, which is a plus for night owls. And let’s be honest, there’s usually plenty of downtime to read, listen to music, or listen to a podcast.
Tutoring
For those who excel in academics and are gifted teachers, tutoring is a rewarding job for people with depression. Tutoring often pays well, especially if you’re a private tutor, and usually offers flexible hours in the afternoon, evenings, and weekends. If you have an academic specialty, you can also charge higher rates for your niche. School programs and tutoring agencies are always looking for more people who want a steady stream of income.
Fitness Coach
Physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand, so what better way to boost your endorphins and serotonin while staying physically healthy than working in the fitness industry? Exercise for mental health is recommended because physical activity releases hormones like endorphins, which have a lasting and positive effect on mood, memory, energy levels, and more.
A career in the fitness industry not only ensures that you’re keeping up with your health in this regard but also allows you to play a role in the mental and physical well-being of your clients. It’s a fulfilling industry that allows you to refine your skills while helping others. Some specific fitness career options for people with depression include a personal trainer, physiotherapist, and nutritionist.
Start Your Own Business
As we previously mentioned, freelance work is multifaceted and flexible, making it an ideal career path for people with depression. You can make your own schedule and focus on a niche or take part in a larger industry. From writing to design to transcription to computer programming and web design, the options are limitless.
You can even start at a company, gain personal clientele, and then open up your own business. When you’re struggling with your mental health, freelance work is a great career path to follow as you’re learning how to navigate your depression.
Depression Recovery at Our Boca Raton Banyan Rehab
Working helps depression in many ways, but it’s also important to consider the stress that goes into job-hunting. No matter what career path you choose, remember that you’re bound to experience stress and challenges. Be sure to stay connected with a doctor or therapist as you make transitions in your life.
If you or a loved one is currently struggling with depression and hasn’t received professional support, our rehab in Boca Raton, Florida, is here for you. We offer inpatient depression treatment among a variety of other psychotherapy programs to teach patients how to manage their symptoms and live happy and fulfilling lives.
We even incorporate family therapy to help both patients and their families navigate through the complexities of mental illness. Our facility offers mental health treatment for veterans and active duty service members, as well.
Whether you’re navigating how to find a job when you’re depressed or require professional support to take a step towards a happier life, call our Florida mental health rehab today at 888-280-4763 to learn how to get started.
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