Depression is a mental illness that can present a unique set of challenges when you’re job-searching. It might be difficult to stay motivated and proactive in searching for jobs in the face of depression symptoms like low energy, diminished confidence, and lack of enthusiasm. There could also be added stress due to other challenges, like a lack of health insurance.
Jobs for people with depression
However, there are ways to navigate the search while also taking care of your mental health and well-being. Here are some good job ideas for people with depression, as well as tips on how to stay motivated during your search.
Staying motivated and proactive while prioritizing your mental health
Here are some tips for remaining positive during your job hunt and finding the best job for you.
Set small, achievable goals for yourself
It can be helpful to know what type of job you are looking for during your search, especially when you begin to lose motivation. If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy working under pressure, you may want to avoid high stress jobs that demand long hours. If you find social situations draining, perhaps the best jobs may be ones that allow you to work from home.
You might try looking for a job that aligns with your interests and ideal environments, such as looking into librarian jobs if you like books and work well in quiet spaces or massage therapist roles if you enjoy the quiet but also value interaction and helping others.
You’ll also want to consider what level of education a job requires. If it only requires a bachelor’s degree and you have a Ph. D., you may be overqualified.
It can also be helpful to break your search down into smaller goals instead of tackling the entire process at once. This may help you feel more in control and give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
Examples of small goals might include researching a certain number of openings per week, sending out a certain number of applications, or preparing for a specific number of interviews.
Ask your loved ones for support
It might be helpful to have a support system you trust to talk to about your search and how you feel. They might provide encouragement, offer a listening ear, and help you stay motivated in the face of depression. Having a good support network is not only great for your mental well being, but can also help you by recommending other positions you might not have thought about before. They can also provide insight about their experience that can help you explore career paths with insider knowledge of how they work.
You might also consider joining support groups or online communities specifically for people with depression while job-searching or exploring new jobs.
Take breaks to care for yourself
For people with depression, it can be especially beneficial to set your own schedule and take breaks during the job search process. Just as maintaining a good work-life balance is important when you are employed, balancing your time job hunting and living is important when you’re still on the market. You’ll also want to practice self-care during this time to keep depression symptoms at bay, which might include exercising, practicing meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Taking breaks and engaging in self-care might help you maintain your energy and prevent burnout, which can be especially important if you’re experiencing mental health challenges like depression as you look for work that suits your needs and preferences.
Consider searching for an online therapist or coach who specializes in mental illness
If you find it challenging to stay motivated and proactive while researching employment opportunities, working with an online therapist or coach might be helpful. They may allow you to find resources and strategies to help you manage your depression symptoms and stay focused on your search goals. They may also have suggestions regarding the best types of careers for people with depression.
Jobs for people with depression: Managing the job search process
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by all the steps that go into a search with or without depression. Below are some strategies you might use to help manage the job search process and stay on track while you research the jobs that are a good fit for you.
Create a timeline
Creating a timeline and checklist of tasks may help you break down the search process into manageable pieces so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Just like one would during school projects, setting deadlines can be beneficial when job-searching. You may also want to create a plan for interviews or other tasks, as that might make the process easier.
Part of your checklist may also include ensuring you have the qualifications a place of employment is asking for. In addition to education level, some positions will have different requirements, like those that pertain to physical health. Dog-walking likely requires you to be able to walk several miles each day, whereas a position as a computer programmer would probably consist of spending time at a desk.
In addition, specific physical positions may ask that you are able to lift a certain amount of weight or be on your feet for many hours at a time. It can be helpful to consider these aspects when inquiring about an opening.
You might also set a personal list of requirements for the positions you’re looking at. This might include requirements like work satisfaction and a certain level of security, such as looking at the length of the proposed contract and the benefits being offered. You might include aspects of your work life that you find valuable, such as the ability to work independently. This can help you find a position that suits your needs.
Take advantage of technology
Technology can be an effective tool when it comes to the search process.
You might consider using online applications, email reminders, or websites that allow you to track the applications you’ve sent to specific roles or careers. You can also use search boards to see other jobs you may want to apply to and keep track of new jobs as they open up. Many jobs have online applications or boards where you can see what roles are hiring, what careers and departments they have at the company, and what line of work they might offer. If you’re not sure what kind of job is suitable due to depression symptoms, you might type “best jobs for people with depression” into a search engine and explore the results. You may try getting more specific, such as “jobs for people with seasonal affective disorder” or your depression diagnosis.
Another way you could use technology in your search could be through social media. Check the social media accounts of businesses and careers in your area, or organizations like the postal service, and see if they have posted about any recent openings. Online networking with people working jobs in the industry you’re interested in may also prove helpful.
This could have the bonus of allowing you to get a position close to your home. If the local home supply store down the street posts that they need employees immediately, you could find work within walking distance. Working near your home will make your commute easier, and could help you avoid added stress and depression symptoms as you adjust to your new job.
Use your network to job hunt
Research shows that networking can be an effective part of any job search, with evidence showing that even weak social ties can lead to finding employment. This may involve attending networking events, reaching out through social media, or asking family/friends if they know of any other jobs available at their place of work or have advice regarding possible jobs.
It may take some time to create a network, but with just a few years of effort, you may gain connections with people who could benefit you for the rest of your career. This may be difficult for people living through a major depressive episode, living with clinical depression, or experiencing other mental health conditions besides depression that affect mood and energy levels, so it might be worth it to seek professional support that allows you to continue networking.
Job ideas for those with depression or other mental illness symptoms
Many jobs can be suitable for people experiencing depression or a depressive state and for people with another mental illness with similar symptoms. The best job ideas for people with depression tend to be jobs that offer autonomy and flexibility, like freelance writing or virtual assistant work. You can also choose jobs that will allow you to interact with animals, like pet sitting.
Outdoor jobs to boost your mental health: Dog walking and park ranger jobs for people with depression
If you want to work with animals and enjoy the outdoors, dog walking jobs could be a good option for you to explore. On the other hand, if you like the outdoors but don’t want to care for animals directly, it may be beneficial to look into park ranger jobs. Outdoor jobs often have the added benefit of promoting physical health, depending on the types of responsibilities associated with the position, as well as improved mental health due to the extra sunlight, physical activity, and time spent doing something enjoyable, which could help treat your depression symptoms.
Work-from-home jobs for people with depression: Computer programming
If you are experiencing depression, you may also want to look for jobs that allow you to work from home, as they often allow individuals to avoid the stress of a traditional office. If you know any programming languages or have an interest in learning one, it may be helpful to look into jobs in coding. Some coding jobs allow employees to work remotely, which may reduce stress and allow you to spend time seeking support. These can be great jobs for people with social anxiety, as well as depression.
Be your own boss: Start a business
If you can’t find a position that you believe will make reasonable accommodations for your depression symptoms, you may want to consider creating your own business. While there can be considerable start-up costs associated with beginning a business, you may be invigorated by the process.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be something large or involve renting a storefront, but could instead be a small online operation or something that focuses on a task you can do at home. That way, you could set your own hours and dedicate any time you have left to self-care. It should be noted that starting a business can be stressful, and if you are already experiencing mental health challenges, it may be a better idea to pursue a traditional career and reach out for depression support instead to manage your stress levels before opting to venture out on your own.
Ultimately, the best jobs for people with depression will depend on their unique needs and preferences.
Alleviating symptoms through mental health therapy
For people with depression, mental health therapy can be a helpful step to control your symptoms while looking for the right career path. Psychotherapy can help people recognize and change cognitive distortions and troubling behaviors. Psychotherapy, under the care of a licensed mental health professional, can be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. The most common evidence-based therapies for depression are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Online therapy can help with depression
Working with a therapist or coach may provide valuable insight into managing the symptoms of major depressive disorder, developing coping strategies, setting achievable goals, and staying motivated while looking for job opportunities. In addition, online therapy might provide clarity on the right job and help you develop targeted strategies to achieve success.
Therapy can provide a sense of control over your mental health and career path, and a therapist can help you discern good job ideas for you. It’s important to remember that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to job searching with depression and other mental illnesses. Each person’s preference, lifestyle, comfort level, and personality can influence which jobs might fit them.
Benefits of online therapy for depression and other mental health conditions
If you’re not feeling well enough to attend in-office therapy, you might try online therapy, which research demonstrates to be effective in helping people experiencing depression or anxiety disorders. Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person therapy, with prices ranging from $65-$90 a week. Online therapy may be an especially valuable resource for people seeking employment while experiencing mental health challenges, like depression.
According to the World Health Organization, in the United States, people with depression are also more likely to be unemployed, with nearly a third of those reporting that their condition has limited their ability to work. Individuals can manage their condition and find employment with the help of mental health treatment and job search strategies.
By addressing depression symptoms using the help of a licensed online therapist, you may find that your symptoms improve alongside your employment outcomes.
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