Best Jobs For People With Depression and Anxiety

Freelance writer

• Freelance writing offers the flexibility to work from anywhere and set your work hours.
• This job allows you to avoid high-stress office environments and work at your own pace, which can help reduce anxiety.
• Additionally, writing can be a therapeutic outlet for expressing thoughts and feelings.

Graphic designer

• Graphic design is another creative job that offers flexibility and the possibility to work from home.
• Many graphic designers work as freelancers or remote employees, allowing them to create a comfortable and stress-free workspace.
• The creative process involved in design can also be a great way to manage and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Virtual assistant

• Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks remotely, providing flexibility to work from home.
• This job allows you to set your hours and create a comfortable work environment. The various tasks can keep you engaged without the stress of in-person office dynamics.

Bookkeeper

• Bookkeeping involves working with numbers and maintaining financial records, which can be done in a quiet and controlled environment.
• This job often allows for remote work and flexible hours, reducing the pressure of a traditional office setting.
• The structured tasks can provide a sense of order and accomplishment.

Social media manager

• Managing social media accounts for companies or individuals can be a creative and flexible job.
• This type of job allows you to work from anywhere and set your hours.
• The creativity involved in content creation can be a positive outlet for managing anxiety and depression.

Technical support specialist

• Technical support specialists help users solve technical problems with software or hardware.
• Many of these remote positions allow you to work in a controlled and comfortable environment.
• The problem-solving aspect of this job can be engaging and help distract from anxious thoughts.

Florist

• Working with flowers can be a very calming and therapeutic experience.
• As a florist, you create beautiful arrangements and bring joy to others, which can uplift your mood.
• The creative and hands-on nature of this job can also be a good outlet for managing stress and anxiety.

Artist or craftsperson

• Pursuing a career in art or crafts can be highly therapeutic. Creating art allows for self-expression and can serve as a coping mechanism for managing emotions.
• Whether it’s painting, pottery, or crafting, the focus on creating something beautiful can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Fitness trainer

• Being a fitness trainer involves promoting physical health, which can improve mental health.
• Regular exercise is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• As a fitness trainer, you can set your schedule as a part-time or full-time instructor, work in various environments, and help others achieve their fitness goals, which can be highly rewarding and motivating.

Yoga instructor

• Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being, making it an excellent job for those with anxiety and depression.
• As a yoga instructor, you can share yoga’s benefits with others while maintaining your own practice.
• Yoga studios’ positive and calming environment can help manage your mental health.

Librarian

• Libraries are often calm and quiet environments, making them ideal for individuals with anxiety and depression.
• As a librarian, you can help others find information and enjoy a peaceful work setting.
• The structured and predictable nature of library work can also provide a sense of stability and routine.

Poor work-life balance

• Jobs that require long hours or frequent overtime can disrupt your work-life balance, leaving little time for self-care and relaxation.
• This imbalance can lead to burnout, which affects mental and physical health.
• Not having enough personal time can prevent you from doing activities that help manage stress.

Inflexible work schedules

• Rigid work schedules that don’t allow for flexibility can make it difficult to attend therapy sessions, take medication on time, or practice stress-relief activities.
• These activities are important for managing mental health, and a lack of flexibility can make it harder to keep up with them. Inflexible schedules can also increase stress and lower job satisfaction.

Unsupportive work culture

• A toxic or unsupportive work culture, where mental health issues are ignored or stigmatized, can prevent people from seeking the help they need.
• This can lead to worsening symptoms and reluctance to disclose mental health struggles. An unsupportive environment can also create feelings of shame and guilt.

Job insecurity

• Constant worry about job security, layoffs, or financial problems can increase anxiety and contribute to depression.
• The stress of not knowing if you will have a job can be a significant mental health strain.
• Job insecurity can lead to ongoing fear and anxiety, affecting both work and personal life.

Lack of control

• Feeling a lack of control over your work tasks, environment, or career path can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
• This lack of control can make symptoms of depression worse and make it hard to find motivation. Having control at work is important for mental health and overall job satisfaction.

Physical demands

• Jobs that are physically demanding can also affect mental health, especially if the physical strain leads to chronic pain or fatigue.
• Chronic pain can make symptoms of depression and anxiety worse.
• Physical exhaustion can also reduce the energy needed to manage mental health, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms. 

Healthcare providers

• While healthcare is rewarding, jobs such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers often involve high stress levels and responsibility.
• The need to make critical decisions, long hours, and exposure to illness and death can be emotionally draining.
• This environment can be particularly challenging for those managing anxiety or depression.

Emergency services

• Jobs in emergency services, such as paramedics, firefighters, or police officers, require quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• The exposure to traumatic events and the need to remain calm under pressure can be particularly challenging for individuals with anxiety or depression.
• The unpredictable nature of these jobs can also lead to heightened stress levels.

Stock trading

• Stock trading is a high-stakes job involving quick decisions based on fluctuating market conditions.
• The financial risk and pressure to succeed can be highly stressful. The fast-paced environment and the need to constantly monitor market changes can worsen your anxiety and lead to stress.

Journalism and media

• Journalism and media roles often involve tight deadlines, the pressure to deliver breaking news, and exposure to distressing events.
• The need to constantly produce high-quality content and the industry’s competitive nature can make it challenging to prioritize your mental health.