Depression / Thinking about getting a job

LegacyUser

I'm not sure if personal issues is the right place for this but as far as I'm aware this is the only part of Boards that I can post anonymously.

I'm a man in my early (almost mid) thirties and for eight or nine years now I've been on disability benefit due to depression. This is probably the worst time to think about this, but I've recently been thinking I might just be able to handle a job. I don't want just any job though because I found it difficult to cope with the last job I had and I have a hard time mixing with people. However I think if I had a job that was of some small benefit to the world I could cope and it might even do me some good. I've had a few manual labour jobs when I was younger and I would go home depressed every day. I think if I had a job I was proud of it might be different though. I'd like to think I was helping animals, the environment or maybe elderly or sick people somehow.

I guess I have a few questions really. One of them is has anyone here had a job while suffering depression and how did you cope? Another is would it be possible to find a job where I could help someone (animals or people) without having any specialist skills or training? I'm not quite sure what kind of job I want, I just know I want to make a difference somehow. Finally if I did start looking for jobs how would this affect my benefits? I'm not lazy, but like I said I don't think I could just handle any job so I don't want to inform the social welfare about this just yet in case I'm forced to take a job I hate.

I hope all that made sense.

LegacyUser

Hi OP.

I can understand your situation being kind of in a similar boat you could say though I haven't made the move into a work environment yet.

I know that having been out of work for a long time, it is a big leap to think about a five day week grind type of job or committing to something long term. I know too that for someone who suffers from depression, a job - just any job - rather than something more suited to the individual is possibly more likely to be a regressive step than a positive one.

Something part time would be an easier transition. Best of all might be in a voluntary capacity. Presumably volunteering wouldn't affect your benefits and allowances. If you like animals, there's probably an animal sanctuary, horse stables or similar not too far away that might be happy to have a volunteer around the place for a few hours or days a week.

I hope you make the move successfully and happily. I wish you all the luck.
Come back and tell us how you've got along.

strongbluebell

Have you considered maybe starting with some voluntary work, maybe just for a day or two a week.
You mentioned liking animals and people, how about volunteering at an animal rescue centre.
Another option would be to volunteer at a nursing home, just to sit and talk to patients, maybe read them the paper, help them with a cup of tea.
Best of luck, not easy to get back in the world after so long, you've got courage.

LegacyUser

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions and advice. Voluntary work does sound like a good idea to start with until I can face a 9 to 5 routine. I'm sure there must be something worthwhile around here (Carlow) that I could do. Thanks again.

ogriofa

Hi there,
you're in a rare(ish) position here. You're looking for a job that you really just "want" to do. When you take money out of the equation you're really freed up, you really have some cards here!

Have a really good think. Don't rule anything out 1st time around. Get to the core of what would interest you / make you feel good and... go for it!

If you don't come up with something, take a break and come back to it.
Write ideas down on paper if you're the type.

Good luck on your search!

LegacyUser

id say go for it! I started ajob when i was depressed and at the start i hated it (only first week or two) but i am a completely different person now because of it! It gives you so much confidence and you will discover you have much more talents and abilities than you ever thought. I used to get panicky and nervous very often but the routine of the job really settled me. Its not all great like there are morning when you dont wanna get up cause your so tired but thats just me being lazy thankfully not the depression kicking in. you dont always have to interact loads do it bit by bit at your own pace. Like i used to go off for a walk at lunch on my own and chill out it i wanted or i would go to the staff canteen. do it at yor own pace.....sorry for long post! best of luck