Question:
I'm about to start the process of figuring out what kind of
job would be less stressful.
Two of my past episodes of major depression were clearly related
to stressful jobs. I have been on disability for awhile now, but am
feeling more even, and would like to try to work again.
In the past I was a computer programmer (for the biotech industry),
and then switched to a web programmer. The latter was in the
middle of the dot.com craze so I was able to find a part-time job
with benefits.
Since my current med combo has me sleeping 11-12 hours/night I am
again looking for part-time, less stressful work. I'm thinking some
type of admin work. I suspect if thejob is too easy, that my also
be stressful for me -- too boring. I'd like to stay away from jobs
where I'm the expert everyone turns to (like my last 2 depression
Answer:
I don't mean to be funny, but have you considered being a greeter at
Wal-Mart? Shouldn't be to much stress in saying "Welcome to Wal-Mart." and
giving out stickers to the kids.
I thought about applying for that job, but can't handle little children,
stupid people or the pay day crowds.
You may want to really, really pay attention to what causes you
stress.....you may find out it is things that a person
normally doesn't find stressful.....in my case two weird
things...
Stress is an individual thing. What stresses you out, could be relaxing for me.
My final order to go off work, says that I can work in a "stress free"
environment. There is no such thing. Stress is out there and all we can do is
1) learn to deal with it and 2) avoid those situations.
I totally agree that a boring job is just as stressful as a more responsible
one.
This site might be useful:
Invisible Disabilities
http://www.invisibledisabilities.com/
Make sure you discuss your potential return to work with your medical team.
Please take their advice. Realize that maybe you can't work.
Try a volunteer job at first--see how that goes. Take one class at the local
college--see how that goes. Learn about yourself and what you really want in a
job.
You also are performing another job by your helpful
emails to this group. Just because you're not getting paid
doesn't mean your work isn't valued.
After my many, many medication changes over the
last 2 years I hope to be able to go back to some kind
of work.
However, I do volunteer and I am (I hope) a valued
friend, cousin etc.
Until they figure out more about this damm disease
I too may need to stay on disability. Right now I'm dealing
with anxiety more than depression or hypomania. Though
in the past anxiety has preceeded my depressions. So now
I'm trying not to get more anxious about the possibility of
another severe depression.
Stress is what got me i think from my last job, there is where I really
