FAQs
What is the best job for someone with anxiety?
This is a little subjective, as a good job for someone with anxiety can depend on the person. People’s anxiety gets triggered by many different factors. Someone may not get anxiety when they work with a bunch of people but may get anxiety if they work with just one person.
Jobs
For many, though, a regular job that’s anxiety-friendly tends to be one where you’re alone. Here is a brief list of jobs that give a few examples:
- Any job that lets you work from home. With no commute and no coworkers, you’re far less likely to develop anxiety.
- A job that allows you to work alone for the most part. An accountant, computer programmer, or writer, or similar job.
- Artistic jobs are great for people with anxiety. It can relieve your anxiety by giving you an outlet to express yourself, and being creative is a mindful process that can keep your mind off feeling anxious.
These are just a few examples. We recommend looking for some jobs near you or online that won’t trigger your anxiety. In some cases, you may want to talk to a therapist about your job anxiety.
What mental illness keeps you from working?
Many mental illnesses can make it more difficult to work, but some can prevent you from working at all. In many cases, it’s not a single mental illness itself, but the severity of it. Let’s give you a few examples.
- Depression. If you feel depressed or glum from time to time, it won’t prevent you from working. However, major depression is another story. When you find it difficult to get out of bed, it can have a major impact on your ability to work. If a job is causing your depression, it can ironically prevent you from working.
- A mental illness that impairs cognitive function. If you have to focus on your job, but your mental illness doesn’t allow it, it can prevent you from working.
- Severe mood swings. If you’re prone to sudden anger, this may make you unable to work. When you look fine one second and then scream at your coworker for no good reason, you’re not going to be in the workplace for long.
These are just a few examples. In most cases, you can still work with a mental disorder, and if you can’t, you may need a couple of years of documentation in order to apply for disability benefits. It can be more of a challenge to apply for mental health disability, as these disabilities are often invisible. Sometimes, you may even “pass” as “normal” to the person who interviews you about your disability, and it may be denied. For example, people with major depression may have a good day when they apply for disability.
What are Challenges in a Job Search Related to Your Mental Health?
Young adults and other people that struggle with depression or another altered mental state often have trouble just getting out of bed in the morning, let alone mustering the energy to look for a job. If you’re experiencing depression only during the winter months, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where your depression worsens when you’re deprived of light. There are helpful treatments available for SAD. Another way to approach your job hunt is to look for jobs where you can work during the seasons that you feel most healthy and well.
From a clinical mental health standpoint, substance abuse and mental health disorders are often related. As you look forward to getting your first job or returning to work, it’s vital for you to seek out the proper mental health services to avoid the risk of substance abuse and mental health problems.
On a positive note, high stress jobs can lead young adults and other people experiencing depression to mental health services and evidence based treatment, including support groups.
What can I do about my job anxiety?
Some people have job anxiety. This is a little different from your normal case of anxiety and depression. Job anxiety can involve anything related to a job that makes you anxious. This includes:
- Anxiety over applying to a job. You may be worried that you’ll mess up the application, or that you won’t be hired.
- Anxiety over being late to your job. This may lead to insomnia or getting up extra early when you don’t need to.
- You may be afraid to go to the workplace due to another factor, such as a bad coworker or a tough boss.
- Your job could involve speaking to people. These types of jobs are not ideal for people who have anxiety, but sometimes, they’re the only jobs you can choose.
There are many reasons why you may have job anxiety. Here are some things you can do about them.
- Learn mindfulness. Every time a self-defeating thoughts gets into your mind, learn to discard it. Practice meditative breathing to get your mind off it, or learn how to focus on the present.
- Remove the cause. If a coworker is giving you trouble, report them or ask to be moved.
- Change your bedtime, so you have plenty of time to get up and go to your job.
- Try a job that doesn’t involve leaving your house. Plenty of white collar jobs are doable from the comfort of your home.
How can I get experience without a job?
Teens and young adults tend to run into a paradox, where they need a job and the job experience, but they don’t have job experience to get the job. It’s the ultimate catch-22 that many have joked about, but it’s frustrating. Here are some ways to get some experience.
- Translate your experience. If you’re applying for a job, think of some experiences that could translate into something relevant for your job. If you’re applying to be a cook, for example, talk about your home-cooked meals.
- List your soft skills. Soft skills are skills not listed on the job, but they could be relevant. For example, if you’re good at keeping a conversation, talk about how often you engage with people.
- Try some freelancing jobs. If you have a skill, like art, writing, or another marketable talent, freelancing websites can help you get experience. When you don’t have a huge portfolio, you may have to work for cheap, but it can help build experience.
- While not the ideal job for many, doing some volunteer work is the perfect way to show you care for your community and to help you get job experience.
- Internships in college are good, too.
- Since every situation is different, speaking to a job counselor about finding a job or finding experience when you don’t have either is a smart move to make. Pro bono, college counselors, or sliding scale counseling is available if you don’t have much money to spend.
Contact BetterHelp
For more information on where to find a therapist that can help you, you can reach out tocontact@betterhelp.com. You can also find us onLinkedIn,Twitter,Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube.
Read more from BetterHelp about Jobs for People with Depression & Mental Health:
- Best Jobs For People With Anxiety–https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/anxiety/best-jobs-for-people-with-anxiety/
- Diagnosed With ADHD? Jobs That May Be A Good Fit–https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/adhd/diagnosed-with-adhd-jobs-that-may-be-a-good-fit/
- 9 Low Stress Jobs For People With Anxiety–https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stress/9-low-stress-jobs-for-people-with-anxiety/
- The Best Jobs For Introverts With Anxiety–https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/anxiety/the-best-jobs-for-introverts-with-anxiety/
- 10 Jobs For People With Social Anxiety–https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/anxiety/10-jobs-for-people-with-social-anxiety/
If you are in crisis or want to learn more about mental health, do not hesitate to call the hotlines below:
- RAINN(Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) –1-800-656-4673
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline–1-800-273-8255
- National Domestic Violence Hotline–1-800-799-7233
- NAMI Helpline(National Alliance on Mental Illness) –1-800-950-6264, for more information:info@nami.org,or visit theirFacebook Page.
FAQs
What are the best jobs for people with mental health issues? ›
- Welding—$37,477.
- Plumber—$50,000.
- Massage Therapy—$41,729.
- Paralegal—$52,351.
- Biostatistician—$92,426.
- Entrepreneur—$57,360.
- Assistant Engineer—$69,296.
- Veterinary Assistant—$31,659.
You can have a full-time job and a fulfilling life despite your depression. Specific lifestyle habits, effective therapy and medical care can help you to recover and continue working efficiently.
How to get a job with mental health issues? ›- Think about what you need. Looking for work takes a lot of effort and energy. ...
- Look at unconventional options. ...
- Know your worth. ...
- Show your best self. ...
- Take things one day at a time. ...
- Consider whether to disclose. ...
- Take advantage of accommodations.
- Prepare for the Rush. In the beginning, committing yourself to finding a job may actually help to ease some of your depressive symptoms. ...
- But Know That the Initial Excitement Can Fade. ...
- Use Your Tools. ...
- Build a Support System. ...
- Keep Busy. ...
- Create a Schedule (and Stick to It) ...
- Stay Organized. ...
- Know Your Rights.
- Practice positive self talk. ...
- Picture yourself in the interview being cool, calm and collected.
- Focus on what you can control. ...
- Live in the present. ...
- Try and get a good night's sleep before the interview.
- Once it's all over, treat yourself to something nice.
- Editor. If you're a detail-oriented person and you're looking for a job that allows you to use your creativity, then editing might be the perfect fit for you. ...
- Freelance Writer. ...
- Graphic Designer. ...
- Web Designer. ...
- Data Entry Specialist. ...
- Accountant. ...
- Animal Care or Training. ...
- Horticulturist.
Easy, good, paying jobs include pet care, dog walking, home sitting, technical writing, patient care, delivery driving, massage therapy, and political science jobs. Most of these jobs only need the skill set and perhaps a post-secondary qualification.
What is the most stress free job? ›...
Least-stressful jobs
- Hairstylist: 6.72.
- Audiologist: 7.28.
- University professor (tenured): 8.42.
- Medical records technician: 8.52.
- Jeweler: 9.
- Operations research analyst: 9.09.
- Pharmacy technician: 9.19.
- Massage therapist: 10:39.
- 14 Low-Stress Jobs.
- Data Scientist.
- Dietitian.
- Medical Records Technician.
- Massage Therapist.
- Appliance Repairer.
- Librarian.
- Diagnostic Medical Stenographer.
- Acupuncturist. Why: When your job involves treating patients' ailments by inserting thin needles into their skin, it helps to create an environment where your patients are relaxed. ...
- Gardener. ...
- Librarian. ...
- Massage therapist. ...
- Sleep technician. ...
- Tai chi instructor. ...
- Yoga instructor.
Can you get disability for depression? ›
Yes. Depression is a type of mental health disorder that can impact your mood, thoughts and feelings, weight, sleeping habits, energy level, and ability to function. If you have depression that interferes with your ability to work, then you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, like SSDI and SSI.
Is it okay to not work if you have depression? ›Taking Time Off from Work Due to Depression
Employees diagnosed with major depression are permitted to take time off work to get treatment and recover from depression. In addition to being protected by the ADA, employees are also protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
So how long can you be signed off with depression? For as long as you need to get better. Some employees may need to take time off for treatment while others could just require a couple of days away from work. It's possible to return to work before a fit note runs out.
What do I do if I mentally can't work? ›...
These include disability insurance and disability payments through Social Security.
- Disability insurance. ...
- Social Security Income (SSI). ...
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- LEAD WITH YOUR STRENGTHS. ...
- EVALUATE YOUR PAST TO AVOID A DEAD END. ...
- TALK TO PEOPLE TO LEARN WHAT YOUR DREAM JOB IS. ...
- TAKE CLASSES FIRST, FIGURE OUT YOUR NEW CAREER LATER. ...
- CONSIDER WHAT WORK ENVIRONMENT YOU NEED. ...
- DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY (EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOUR CAREER YET)
Your Anxiety Disorder Disability Case
If you are disabled because of an anxiety disorder that prevents you from working, you may very well be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits.
People with serious mental illness believe their physical health problems rather than psychological health make it difficult for them to find jobs, according to a Rutgers study.
What to do if I can t find a job? ›- Take a Break. ...
- Go Where the Jobs Are. ...
- Spruce up Your Online Presence. ...
- Get Skilled or Schooled—or Both. ...
- Change Your Mindset. ...
- Try a Temporary Job. ...
- Build Your Network. ...
- Review Your Resume.
Depressed workers may also feel exhausted or overwhelmed. Depression can also make employees more socially withdrawn, and all of this impacts workplace productivity.
What is a good first job for someone with anxiety? ›- Restaurant staff. You can work at a restaurant without seating customers or waiting tables. ...
- Stocker. ...
- Cleaner. ...
- Tutor. ...
- Kennel assistant. ...
- Pet grooming assistant. ...
- Library page. ...
- Child care assistant.
Does anxiety and depression count as a disability? ›
The good news is that those with either depression and anxiety can qualify for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration has a process for evaluating your right to collect Social Security disability benefits based on claims of a mental health problem.
What to do when anxiety is ruining your life? ›- Think of yourself as a firefighter.
- Cool down anxious thoughts.
- Get some perspective.
- Soothe your system.
- Talk it out.
- Don't ignore.
- Rule out other causes.
- Wait it out.
- Social anxiety is a chronic mental disorder characterized by an irrational fear of or anxiety regarding social interactions. ...
- Veterinarian or Vet Tech. ...
- Gardener or Landscaper. ...
- Contractor, Tradesperson or Construction Worker. ...
- Tutor. ...
- Bookkeeper, Tax Preparer, or Accountant.
...
Jobs where you don't have to deal with people
- Custodian. ...
- Data entry clerk. ...
- Security guard. ...
- Medical transcriber. ...
- Veterinary technician. ...
- Graphic designer. ...
- Laboratory technician. ...
- Medical coder.
So, is social anxiety a disability? And can you get disability for anxiety of the social type / nature? Social Anxiety can be considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Thus, you could be able to receive Social Security disability benefits with social anxiety disorder.
What job pays you 1000 a day? ›Petroleum engineer
Since this field is complex, specialized and sometimes hazardous, petroleum engineers can earn a high salary, including bonuses and overtime pay, and those with 10 or more years of experience can earn close to $1,000 per day.
...
High-Paying Jobs With Little Schooling Required
- Police Officer. ...
- Aircraft Mechanic. ...
- Mechanical Engineering Technician. ...
- Radiologic (X-Ray) Technologist. ...
- Welder. ...
- Diesel Mechanic.
- Real estate agent. Real estate can be a lucrative line of work for the right person. ...
- Construction management. Construction can be a lucrative industry, particularly for skilled laborers and managers. ...
- Elevator/escalator installer. ...
- Commercial pilot. ...
- Web developer. ...
- Honorable mentions.
According to data that FinanceBuzz compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), some low-stress jobs that typically yield a six-figure salary include mathematician, software developer, political scientist, physicist, chemical engineer, astronomer, and ...
What is the happiest job on earth? ›- Dental Hygienist.
- Physical Therapist.
- Radiation Therapist.
- Optometrist.
- Human Resources Manager.
Who has the happiest job? ›
Agriculture, logging and forestry have the highest levels of self-reported happiness — and lowest levels of self-reported stress — of any major industry category, according to our analysis of thousands of time journals from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' American Time Use Survey.
What are the top 3 most stressful jobs? ›- Public Safety Telecommunicators.
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Acute Care Nurses.
- Telephone Operators.
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.
- Anesthesiologist Assistants.
- Film and Video Editors.
- Urologist.
- Military. Coming first on our list of the hardest jobs in the world is the military.
- Healthcare Worker. There is just no rest for a health worker once the shift begins. ...
- Alaskan Crab Fisherman. ...
- Iron and Steel Worker. ...
- Roofer. ...
- Cell Tower Climber. ...
- Firefighter. ...
- Oil Rig Worker. ...
The happiest jobs that pay well include software engineers, high school teachers, nurses, medical assistants, and graphic designers. Most of these jobs pay an annual salary of more than $50,000.
What jobs work the least hours? ›- Real estate agent.
- Dietician or nutritionist.
- Actor.
- Dancer or choreographer.
- Bus driver.
- Photographer.
- Recreation or fitness worker.
- Tailor or custom sewer.
Disability benefits for mental health condition also varies depending on if the person on disability receives SSI or SSDI benefits. The average SSI payment for adults in 2021 is $586 per month and the average SSDI payment for adults in 2021 is $1,277.
What is the most approved disability? ›What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.
What level of depression qualifies for disability? ›It says that in order to be eligible for disability benefits because of depression you must be able to show that you have at least five of these symptoms: depressed mood. decreased interest in almost all activities. appetite disturbance (poor appetite or overeating) resulting in a change in weight.
What are the signs of a mental breakdown? ›- Hopelessness.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Sense of worthlessness.
- Unable to sleep.
- Lacking appetite.
- Inability to focus.
- Severe disappointment with their life.
Making the decision to step away from a job is not always easy or feasible. But when your physical or emotional well-being is suffering and your stress isn't eased by the occasional mental health day, experts say it's generally best to start looking elsewhere.
Should you tell HR about depression? ›
You aren't obligated to disclose your struggles with depression in an interview. In fact, I would recommend against it. Instead, focus on the job, why you are a good fit for the position and your value to the organization. When you're interviewing, honesty is always the best policy.
Can a person with depression hold a full time job? ›You can have a full-time job and a fulfilling life despite your depression. Specific lifestyle habits, effective therapy and medical care can help you to recover and continue working efficiently. Nothing is impossible for those who have found the strength to accept and challenge their depression.
Can a doctor take you off work for depression? ›Yes. Assuming that you work for a covered employer and are eligible for FMLA leave, you may take leave if you are unable to work due to a serious health condition under the FMLA.
When should you quit your job for mental health? ›When you find that your job is taking a severe toll on either your physical or mental health, it is time to go. You should never allow yourself to become another statistic whose health and wellbeing is destroyed by a job that creates undue stress and negativity.
Is it hard for people with mental illnesses to find jobs? ›People with serious mental illness believe their physical health problems rather than psychological health make it difficult for them to find jobs, according to a Rutgers study.
What happens if I can't work due to mental illness? ›If you are unable to work due to a mental illness, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your case individually to determine if your condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
What profession generally works with clients who have the most severe mental health issues? ›Clinical Psychologist
They often work with more severe disorders and may work collaboratively with psychiatrists and other medical heath practitioners. A clinical psychologist may work with clients who have depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mood and thought disorders.
...
Least-stressful jobs
- Medical records technician: 8.52.
- Jeweler: 9.
- Operations research analyst: 9.09.
- Pharmacy technician: 9.19.
- Massage therapist: 10:39.
Up to 300,000 people with long-term mental health problems have to leave their jobs each year, a report says.
Should I take a career break for mental health? ›Recognise the benefits of a career gap: “Taking time out can reduce the risk of burnout and show employers that you're self-aware enough to know when to look after yourself and what your stress signs and triggers are.”
Do jobs look at your mental health? ›
Companies generally cannot question you about your mental health. Everyone has bad days, weeks, or even months. Yet for some people, these days are more than just a bad mood; they are symptoms of a mental illness, such a depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.
How much does SSI pay for depression? ›Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
In 2022, the maximum monthly amounts will be: $841 for an eligible individual.
Like other conditions with symptoms that are based on emotional distress, a disability based on depression can be difficult to prove to the Social Security Administration because the symptoms are often difficult to measure. Additionally, just being diagnosed with depression is not enough to qualify for benefits.
What are the three 3 careers belong to mental health? ›The list included the following mental health jobs: psychiatrists; clinical, counseling and school psychologists; mental health and substance abuse counselors; school counselors; and marriage and family therapists.
What do you call a person with mental problems? ›Don't use: “Mentally ill person” or “Person who is mentally ill” Instead, use: “Person with a mental illness” or “Person living with a mental health issue”
Which would be the best resource for someone who is mildly depressed? ›If you or a loved one needs support, you can reach NAMI's HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or text “NAMI” to 62640. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) The ADAA works to improve the quality of life of those affected by anxiety and depression.
What job has the happiest workers? ›- Dental Hygienist.
- Physical Therapist.
- Radiation Therapist.
- Optometrist.
- Human Resources Manager.
- Accountant. ...
- Archivist. ...
- Computer Programmer. ...
- Drafter. ...
- Funeral Director. ...
- Jeweler. ...
- Lab Technician. ...
- Librarian.