What jobs are best for Depression/Anxiety and stress

[anita24]

So i have barely worked as it has been stressful. I want a job where i am helping people but i dont feel mentally capable to be in those type of jobs like nursing etc. What jobs are best for people like us that can involve helping people? It is upsetting in itself that i feel i am not capable to handle jobs. I have tried childcare but i couldnt handle it, i found it stressful and couldnt turn off at home. Any advice will help. Thankyou everyone.

[anita24]

Thankyou so much for your valuable advice, i will look into volunteer work that was a great suggestion.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Anita24,

I'm so happy that so many people have jumped on board to help out, and I'm really glad that you're seeing a psychologist to help you out. I completely agree volunteering would be a great place to start. Great suggestion MsPurple! Community nursing can also have volunteers; I did it once and basically you follow them around to different people's houses while they do really basic nursing tasks like bandaging and wound care.

Those feelings and fears that you have about stuffing up and thinking about clients when you get home is completely valid. I think it's probably something we all share - especially anyone who works in healthcare. From the way I see it it's not an either or. It's something that we learn over time and adapt. When I first started working in healthcare I made hundreds of mistakes and couldn't switch off. But everyone's like that - it's just part of the job and it's not right or wrong, and it certainly doesn't make you not fit out for the job. It's also important to know that if you decide to go with nursing you'll be guided and shadowed constantly; so while everyone makes mistakes the supervisor or trainer will be right there so that any mistake you make will a tiny one (not putting people at risk) and help to make you feel comfortable with whatever you're doing.

Another thing that might be helpful is this career chart here - https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/do_you_enjoy_or_are_you_good_at_health_-_a4c.pdf There are four levels so the inner circle requires less training (like an aged care worker or a therapy aide) but as you go out more there are different careers with a bit more training.

I'll also pop the community services one too as you can still care about people but often less responsibilities - like a support worker for a person with a disability. It may still be able to give you that feeling of caring for people but the work environment and responsibilities are so different. - https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/do_you_enjoy_or_are_you_good_at_community_services_-_a4c.pdf

[BonnieM]

Hi anita24,

Thanks for sharing your feelings about work - it's really helpful to know there are others that feel similarly to me. I too enjoy helping others and am passionate about social justice but have been burnt out by stress in this field. I think Volunteering with a reputable Organisation that supports you well is a good idea too. I also wondered if you have considered some of the more 'behind the scenes' roles within organisations that help people? Such as admin, book-keeping, data entry, website management, cleaning or food services. These roles could be available in hospitals, aged care homes etc. Just an idea - all the best with your career. I'm sure there is something suitable out there for you.