Anxiety disorders and depression are serious medical conditions that can severely impact every aspect of a person’s life – including work. That’s why we decided to compile a list of some of the best low stress jobs for people with Anxiety.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), “anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States.” It’s estimated that around 40 million people in the United States struggle with an anxiety disorder and another 17.3 million experience a major depressive episode in any given year.
In normal situations, stress/anxiety is a normal response designed to help us cope with potential threats by getting our bodies ready to respond. But when the symptoms persist and become seemingly uncontrollable, it can be disabling.
The irrational, excessive dread of everyday situations that characterizes anxiety disorders can interfere with your relationships, work, and other daily activities. And when you fail to cope with it properly, it can severely impact your physical and mental health.
Getting a Job with Anxiety and Depression
Work is an unavoidable part of life for most people. But your source of livelihood can also be a major contributor to stress. In fact, a 2007 study concluded that “participants exposed to high psychological job demands (excessive workload, extreme time pressures) had a twofold risk of MDD (Major depressive Disorder) or GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) compared to those with low job demands.”
As someone dealing with an anxiety disorder, some questions that might revolve around your head include:
- What is a good job for someone with anxiety and depression?
- What job has the least amount of stress?
- What job should I get if I have social anxiety?
Read on for answers to these and more:
10 of the Best Jobs for People with Anxiety
Even if you have anxiety, there’s a low-stress job that plays into your strengths and unique personality. The best jobs for people with anxiety must first separate you from whatever triggers your anxiety. They should also be mentally engaging to prevent you from wandering to your worries.
Reducing or learning how to cope with work stress is helpful as you move forward with your career. Consider finding a job that is a good fit for you professionally, personally, and health-wise. To help kick-start your search and hopefully inspire you, here are some of the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety:
- Fitness Trainer
According to ADAA, exercise is an effective way to maintain mental fitness and reduce stress. So why not do something that helps manage your symptoms as part of your daily workflow. You get to learn how to overcome your anxiety while helping others with health and stress-related issues. A dietician is also a great low-stress job that allows you to better cope with your anxiety through nutrition.
- Mental Health Counselor
A counselor’s job description revolves around helping patients with mental health conditions such as grief, addiction, depression, and anxiety. Pursuing a job as mental health counselor basically gives you the tools, resources, and experience needed to tackle your own anxiety problems. You’re able to understand your condition better and cope with it.
- Writing
If you’re word-savvy, writing is a good fit to help ease the symptoms of anxiety. You can either find a job as a full-time writer or work as a freelancer. With the latter, you get to negotiate your rates, set your own hours, and work from anywhere you find comfortable. All these are perks that help reduce stress and the risk of anxiety.
- Agriculture or Landscaping
Studies show that working in an environment whereby you’re in contact with nature can reduce stress. This makes agricultural or landscaping roles ideal jobs for people with anxiety. Spending time in the great outdoors, surrounded by plants and animals with minimal human interaction works to your advantage.
- Pet Care
If the idea of interacting with people leaves you with a feeling of dread, maybe you might calm your nerves by working with adorable animals. There are tons of great job opportunities in the pet care industry – including (but not limited to) being a dog walker/pet sitter, a veterinary technician, or an animal trainer.
Related: Equine Therapy: The Therapeutic Benefits of Horses
- Accountant
For all the bad rapport it gets, accounting is actually a great low-stress job, as long as you enjoy working with numbers. Some of your daily activities may include collecting financial data, checking documents for accuracy, interpreting financial information, and sometimes advising companies on financial strategies. It’s a great job for people with anxiety because you’ll often be mentally engaged and you barely interact with the public.
- Librarian
Do commotion, loud noises, and a flurry of activities stress you out? Then maybe you might find solace by working in a place whose very rules demand peace and quiet. A librarian is a great job for people with anxiety, especially if you enjoy reading and organizing things in a soothing environment.
- Fine Artist
Research suggests that art therapy is effective in helping regulate emotions, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve the overall quality of life. So if you have a natural artistic ability, fine art is one of the best jobs for people with anxiety. This includes painters, illustrators, sculptors, and even graphic designers.
- Massage Therapist
Few places are as relaxing and soothing as a massage parlor or spa. The environments are primarily designed to create the most tranquil experience for clients. Working as a massage therapist puts you at right at the center of this tranquility – helping your better cope with stress and anxiety.
- Archivist/Museum Curator
Are you a history buff? Do you enjoy research, learning about past events, and preserving historical artifacts? You might find a career as a museum curator or archivist rewarding. It works into your talents while also allowing you to spend your day in a peaceful, quiet environment surrounded by things that pique your interest rather than cause anxiety.
Find the Right Low-Stress Job for You
It’s highly advisable that you work with a mental health expert on identifying a job that is a good fit for you and managing symptoms of anxiety. And even when you find the perfect low-stress job, explore strategies to help you cope with your anxiety in real-time.
