What's a good job for an unemployed person with depression and anxiety?

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Pristine_Winter_5513@reddit

I push trolleys for Asda and the job is pretty much ideal for me.

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SamVimesBootTheory@reddit

Maybe try getting into volunteering roles for now?

They're generally less pressure than an actual job and can help ease you into getting used to working

What sort of thing would you like to do?

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Clinical psychologist here - focus on restoring your mental health so that you are able to do the basic things in life, that allow you to function. This will benefit you in so many other areas of life, and will make working in a job much more tolerable.

Resolve the root, don't avoid the problem.

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FoursRed@reddit

In a perfect world you're right, but we don't live in that world. It will take years if not decades to get to that level going through NHS services. All the while being unable to afford basic necessities let alone any enjoyment/fulfilment. Then you're unemployable because of lack of experience/knowledge/sociability.

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YBZ@reddit

We don't need 'perfect' in order to start the journey. Life is full of struggle, many (most) people don't have "perfect" mental health, but are able to function.

Who is to say how much support OP will need through the NHS - expecially when we don't know the extent of their background or difficulties. Starting somewhere is the important part, no matter how long it takes.

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FoursRed@reddit

As someone who has been through the wringer with it - I honestly believe it's better practical advice to get a low(ish) stress job and use the extra money to go private for mental healthcare.

Fighting for anything resembling decent mental healthcare through the NHS requires having a stable position where you can afford to expend the energy to advocate for yourself. Otherwise you'll get fobbed off and stuck chasing your own tail.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

I feel as though not having a job and a routine and a purpose is one of the roots. I just recently began the process of seeking help via the NHS. I've never struggled with my mental health before so this is all unfamiliar territory to me. Beyond 1 GP appointment and an initial assessment (and I suppose this reddit post), I haven't really spoken to anyone about my struggles. I was in a really bad place this morning and the first thing I said to myself afterwards was that I needed a job

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LaidBackLeopard@reddit

I would focus on the routine and purpose - they can be built in little steps (and sometimes two steps forward, one step back, but every little helps). A job might be a larger goal a little further along. As others have suggested, some volunteer work could be a useful more manageable step here. And acknowledging that you need some help and seeking it is so important - there's a win right there.

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YBZ@reddit

Sounds like you're on the right path, despite it being challenging at the moment. It's totally understandable that this all feels a lot. Hopefully the NHS talking therapies will be able to see you and support you to move forward.

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ShortDevelopment905@reddit

Get to the root of what is causing the depression first.

e.g. Victim of crime? Report it..

You'll be just as depressed at work if you don't solve it. Walking is good but only lasts a few hours because of the endorphins it releases.

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I_Heart_Otters@reddit

I have found that doing a job which helps others adds a lot of value and satisfaction to my life. Altruism has many mental health benefits.

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Polish_Shamrock@reddit

I've also seen people develop anxiety and depression from these types of jobs, it can be highly stressful with long hours for low or minimum wage, often understaffed and training can be poor.

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I_Heart_Otters@reddit

I wouldn’t recommend private care homes or community care. I found the training and comradeship of working on a hospital ward to be great 🙂

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VexedRacoon@reddit

So a minimum wage care worker?

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I_Heart_Otters@reddit

I left a job in finance very depressed for one as a care worker in a hospital prior to going to medical school and was 100x happier!

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AdonisCarbonado@reddit

Taking the fact that you feel at rock bottom & are still
able to communicate your issues online, I reckon that you are perhaps more geared towards a non customer / human facing role. Without knowing what your degree is in it would be hard to see what transferable skills you may or may not have & also the field within which you at some point believed you belonged…outside of all of that you need to look at what you enjoy doing & look along those lines.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

I graduated last year with an economics degree. Without saying which uni, I was fortunate enough to go to one of the very best around. I got the highest possible grades at GCSE and A Level so I suppose that's one thing I was good at. Although it feels like I've wasted all of those things. I don't have anywhere near the same ambition I once had. I just want something to get me out of the house

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AdonisCarbonado@reddit

Ok so you’re on good grounds. Well done. You say get out the house but in a solitary role or with other folk? Do you know your triggers & settlers? I personally wouldn’t be qualified to suggest relative roles in that field but again you should find the most enjoyable aspect & focus on that perhaps. If it’s a confidence or lack thereof thing then all I can say is there’s a lot of unqualified folk flourishing in qualified positions but that’s all down to them having good luck or healthy doses of experience.
So don’t be the qualified guy with zero experience that’s when perhaps the way you’re thinking may actually have some substance. Right now I would argue that you’re in a position that many folk who come out the other side of academia successfully are experiencing. Not to take anything away from it but so you know you are not alone.

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ubiquitousuk@reddit

Hello fellow economist! This is actually good news: although the job market is brutal, you have chosen one of the most flexible and marketable fields in which to get a degree, Also, the fact that your graduation was recent means that you can still pass as a graduate and get onto a professional career trajectory.

Did you already try the Government Economic Service? I guess you tried the big graduate entry schemes at major consultancy firms and banks? How about the large number of more specialsied boutique consultancy firms, hedge funds, think tanks, etc?

You must surely have taken an econometrics sequence. This allows you to pitch yourself as a data scientist or data analyst, especially if you spend a small amount of effort to build coding (Python) skills to complement your grounding in econometrics. Data analyst/scientist careers exist in all kinds of parts of the economy. You can also do such kind of work on a freelance basis, especially if you are willing to first take on a couple of pro bono jobs or otherwise build a portfolio of work by reaching out to local businesses.

More generally, a really positive outlet for your energy could be working on making sure your human capital grows rather than letting it depreciate. Leaning new skills is a great way to build self-esteem, develop a sense of accomplishment, and improve your employability. The NPV of this human capital surely far exceeds any other assets you have.

Best of wishes!

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Victoriaspalace@reddit

I often find, in my personal experience, depression and anxiety can really alter how you see yourself and what you can achieve. Be careful when choosing jobs that are too "easy" as it'll keep you in the loop of downplaying what you can actually do.

That's not to say throw yourself in the deep end, but as someone with anxiety, a job that allows you to have just that little bit of exposure therapy may help you more than you think.

Go through indeed, glassdoor, and Gov UK to just slowly compile a list of things that sound good to you. Can you do basic IT? Maybe you could go into an admin role? Sometimes that's as easy as working at a local college and helping with inquiries. How about working as a receptionist? Why not try and learn a new skill through a paid apprenticeship?

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Logical_Hat_47@reddit

It depends on you, but my ideas would be working outdoors (agriculture, forestry etc), working with animals (anything from dog walking to veterinary or horse grooming etc), or working with computers (software engineering, economic modelling, or AI training).

Given your background in economics you might look into economic modelling. The financial industry needs quite a lot of this. Getting an actuarial qualification would help, but I don't think it's necessary if you're skilled in the tools. Catastrophe modellling is another possibility.

Good luck!

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New-Glass-2416@reddit

Cleaning a shopping centre? Collecting trolleys in Tesco carpark? Mowing grass in local park?

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Mediocre-Island5475@reddit

What is the degree in? Did you enjoy the subject and your classes?

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EngelbortHumperdonk@reddit

Dog walker. Gets you out in nature (which boosts serotonin) and you get to spend time with dogs and get paid for it. Only works if you like dogs though.

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Vast-Heron8963@reddit

Support worker 100% Help other people build relationships slowly...Gain trust..Feel good about yourself!!

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SlickAstley_@reddit

Supermarket food delivery

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ErrantBrit@reddit

Tree planter, or anything that gets you outside and working with your hands.

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ScreenOk1746@reddit

Dog walking, find a locally owned company and work for them. You don't have to talk to anyone, most people will ignore you, to talk to the dogs. I listen to podcasts and music and have a great time. I have an ebike to get and from the client's home. It's just fun. Hard work for sure and not for everyone, but if you love dogs, it is easy. Plus the dogs just radiate love.

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cl0udzer00@reddit

You could try volunteering in the meantime, otherwise I suggest applying for PIP. I’m in a similar position to you and I have some work experience but if you’re stuck not being able to do basic things it would be even harder if you did that in a job setting.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

Do you know what I would need to apply for PIP? Letters from doctors and such?

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Basic_Aardvark398@reddit

I would say that you should focus on improving your mental health first before thinking about jobs. Jobs can offer a sense of achievement and improve confidence, but they can also be draining and add pressure especially if you are struggling with mental health.

There are organisations that can help people with mental health issues get back into work- such as Southdowns Work in Mind - maybe have a look for support in your local area. Your local job centre or GP surgery should be able to point you in the right direction. I would say first though, you need to get support for your mental health first and foremost.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

I had a look at how to get support from the job centre today. From what I've read online, they only seem to help you if you receive benefits? I haven't ever received benefits and I don't think I'm eligible as I have a small amount of savings and I live with my mum so don't have many outgoings. I will check out the organisation you mentioned. Do you know of anywhere else that might be able to help?

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Disastrous-Place-846@reddit

If youre struggling to do basic things, you should focus on resolving why you cant do them before you waste time with job searching.

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AbjectGovernment1247@reddit

I agree with everything you've said but unfortunately not everyone has the financial freedom to do that.

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woooooooood9@reddit

Be a posty. Out in the fresh air with no one looking over your shoulder and the hours are good.

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hungrycrisp@reddit

Postie?

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PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

Have you thought about using your personal mental health experiences to help others? There are many roles where you could make a difference and your loved experience be valuable.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

I feel as though I can barely help myself at the minute so I'd be hesitant to go about trying to help someone else. I should've maybe clarified in my post, I'm at rock bottom, my lived experience is right now

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PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

Ok. I want to ask, but obviously it's up to you, are you getting any help for this?

If not, then I'd highly recommend it, as somebody who made a failed attempt at taking their own life.

If so, then it's maybe something you could talk through with your counsellor or support worker or GP? They'll know your situation in more detail than you can probably put on Reddit is my thinking.

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

I'm trying to. For the longest time, I thought I could deal with this myself but every day seems to be worse than the last. I spoke to my GP last year and not since. I've had an NHS talking therapies self referral link in my email inbox for months and only clicked it a few weeks ago because I'm worried about where my issues could lead. Had an assessment with them but not heard anything since. I suppose I just have to be patient, I mean it's my fault for delaying it

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PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

No need to blame yourself. Many people put off getting help and I did too even after a stint sectioned. But I do think asking people around you for advice would be helpful.

As for work, I find my mental health is better when I'm in work. These days if I'm out of work it's because I've chosen to be and I have plans so I feel fine. But gaps between jobs have never sat right with me. That's natural, as it's uncertainty and an element of not having Ben accepted I guess.

One of the best jobs I had was in a wholesalers working night shifts. No awkward customers, put music on, worked the forklifts and the pallets, fairly hard graft, went home and felt quite satisfied that I'd done a hard day's work. Shame it didn't pay better but it was satisfying being out of the house, doing something productive, seeing the results of the work, etc!

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I_Heart_Otters@reddit

Are you engaging with your GP and with treatment?

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HistoricalTomato4426@reddit (OP)

Thanks for your replies. I have read them. Someone else has asked similar stuff so I'll reply there to not convolute the thread if that's okay

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BarleyWineStein@reddit

Groundsman? Or park worker? Manual work but you're outside in nature / out of the house. At this time of year I'd love to outside cutting grass, tending to flower beds, blowing leaves.

I'd find that work satisfying and rewarding.

Also it's not dealing with people / talking to people.

If you have depression and anxiety you'll want a job where the chance of fucking up is as low as possible.

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Stickman-leadership@reddit

Firstly I agree with other comments on perhaps seeing your GP.

I have other questions too. What was you degree in and when did you you graduate. What type of things are you interested in. My son did a Zoology degree and found out he was interested in data and analytics. He then volunteered at an NGO as someone who wanted to learn more about data and analytics. Building on the things he did in his degree. Volunteering was a great step as the only expectation is on yourself mainly.

He went in With an objective of making himself indispensable. About 3 months in he applied for a job, he got it and couldn’t tell everyone enough how having real 3 month experience helped in apply for the job. By the way the job was at the NGO he was working for.

2 years later he now has a great job in the city working for large company.

So perhaps a volunteer role at an NGO that you may be passionate about could be a step forward.

All the very best of luck

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