Earning money when someone is depressed

[Deleted User]

Has anyone-else has ever suffered from depression? Have you been able to hold down a job or found other ways of earning money? I've suffered from depression - one and off - for many years and have terrible problems keeping a job. Wondered if there was another way of earning a regular income that would be particular suitable for someone like me? It would have to be fairly flexible - sometimes I'm fine; others I just want to hide in a dark room - and I'd have to have a fair amount of control over what I do (feeling out of control brings on the depression).

Does anyone-else have this problem but has found a way around it? It would be great to find a way to be able to earn money that I could cope with.

Amber_Sunshine

Not found the absolute answer yet, but am working on finding a way ... I know what you mean about needing to feel in control over work. What I do at the moment is work as a freelance writer and copy-editor, but do be aware that there is a downside to being a freelancer. Although you can choose your hours, there are sometimes deadlines to meet, you have too much work or not enough, you have to go looking for the work (I get offered some as I am known by one particular publisher, but this is not regular). Of course, if you don't need a regular wage, this isn't a problem.

The other thing I do is sell cosmetics at party plan, although again you have to find clients. What might also suit you, if you are open-minded, is working for one of the adult chatlines that allows you to pick your own hours.

Pssst

Believe me,there is no easy way out. What you have to do is keep going,keep your foot on the pedal,develop strategies to manage and soon the clouds will clear for a while. They may come back again but if you give up,they will come back thicker and sooner.

Pinzy

Going from personal experience, it took me about 18 months to get completely better after I snapped out of the depression fog.

I've just started going Avon, the idea being I'll get out and meet new people, I'll be getting fresh air, and earning a few extra pennies for it. Plus it means I have to put some slap on and look smart before going out! (Which always makes you feel better, unless of course you're a bloke... maybe avoid the make-up for the Avon round .) So far I'm enjoying it.

Just remember, things will happen that you can't control - it's part of life's rich tapestry.
Take joy in as many things as you can. Look for the silver lining in everything, sometimes it's more difficult to find than others, but it's usually there.
Thing is, you are fighting the depression :T, and that's the most important thing.

[Deleted User]

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate your help. Will definitely try a few of the suggestions.

Will check back on this thread every so often so, if anything-else does occur to anyone, I will pick it up.

Meanwhile, will battle on ...

angie12

Hi Carona
I too have suffered depression and anxiety for 26 years. I have only had a couple of jobs because of it and now I have Rheumatoid arthritis and OA in my neck.

I feel so down myself right now cos we're struggling financially and I'm disappointed with myself for not being able to do anything about it. I so want a job yet, at the same time, the fear of not being able to cope with the stress and not having the confidence to try to work again is driving me mad.

I know I'll always suffer from these ailments and I do have pain most days but, the thought that this is all there is for me for the rest of my life is making my depression much worse. Do you feel the same?

I've read the Teletech thread over and over again, but, fear of failure is holding me back. All because I just cannot seem to hold information in my head anymore.

I'm now looking at the Xchange thread. I've joined but, again, I daren't go further because of my total lack of confidence in my ability to 'take in' the extensive information. ( In other words I'm scared I'm thick!)
Have you thought of trying any of these jobs? It is so good to see someone
on here who understands depression problems, I know many people just think we are weak / lazy and just need a good kick up the jacksy to be cured. I wish!

Angie12

jaxdia

I know the feeling all too well, I suffer from a combination of depression, agoraphobia and anxiety, and while I haven't plucked up the courage to use it myself, there's something that could help.

If you are registered depressed with the GP and have been referred to your local CMHT (Community Mental Health Team), you can use a service called 'Employment Link'. These are chaps who will help you get into a job where you are able to say when and when you can't come in, and they'll ensure you don't get in trouble for it and support you throughout your employment.

This also goes for people who have been referred from the CMHT to the SIRS team (Social Inclusion and Recovery Service), just ask your contact with either team for more info on it.

Again, I've had the same problems with some days being okay, and other days wanting to hide in a cupboard, and until a few months ago I thought I was the only one. I hope this helps a little anyway.

angie12

Hi Jaxdia.

I've never heard of CMHT or SIRS. I only see my GP for my depression but I might ask him about it at my next appointment. Thanks for the tip.

I've looked around the Xchange website and there is a list of things you have to be able to do to apply for the job. I can't do a few of the tasks, so, that's out of the window.

The type of jobs I would have to go for such as shelf stacking, cleaning ect... are now too physical for me. I can barely push a trolley around the supermarket these days and you'd think I had run the london marathon by the time I get home.
Anyway, I'll keep my eyes peeled. Something might come up.
Thanks again
Angie12

littleange

Have you looked into AQA - the text messaging thing - they are often recruiting in the UK and everything is done over instant messaging and emailing - no phone calls needed and you can work whenever you want to!

sad_dog_lady

could you rent out a room to a student?? £4k tax free

Amber_Sunshine

Angie, I used to avoid trying because of a severe fear of failure, but since I've been seeing a psychologist, I'm gradually gaining the confidence to do more.

BTW, I've had anxiety for 20 years as well, but as I'm approaching my 40th birthday, I've been wanting to change things. I know exactly how you feel, I think only someone who's suffered in the same way CAN understand.