23+ Best Jobs for Someone with Anxiety and Depression (April 26, 2024)

23+ Best Jobs for Someone with Anxiety and Depression | 12 Best Starter Job for Someone with Social Anxiety

It’s normal to be a little (or even quite) nervous sometimes. Let’s say it’s a first date, a job interview, or a big presentation. We’ve all been there – the goosebumps, the sweaty palms, the feeling of butterflies in the stomach.

But, for many of us, this feeling is not limited to only special occasions. And also, it’s not a good feeling.

The nervousness comes with terrible anxiety, significant self-consciousness, discomfort, fear of being judged, and embarrassment. This is called Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

First, let’s talk about what is SAD, then the best jobs for someone with anxiety and depression, then the best jobs specifically for someone with social anxiety, and finally jobs for Introverts with Social Anxiety.

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Social anxiety disorder is much more than nervousness. The severe stress that comes with this situation leads to fear and anxiety, which in turn, leads to avoidance that can disrupt your life. It can affect your relationships, daily routines, work, and other activities.

Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition.

And it’s not really surprising that it affects 40 million adults in the U.S., or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.

23+ Best Jobs for Someone with Anxiety and Depression

It’s actually quite common for someone with a social anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression. Moreover, almost about half of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Certain types of job environments are more suited for people with depression and anxiety. These environments are characterized by:

Low-stress levels
Minimal interruptions during work
Limited social interaction with a large group of people
Low noise levels
Jobs that utilize most of your strengths

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a category-wise list of the best jobs for someone with anxiety and depression. These include:

Creative

Writer
Jobs at an art gallery
Interior design
Librarian
Cosmetology

Outdoor

Landscaping
Gardening
Nursery worker
Outdoor instructor

Fitness

Personal trainer
Nutritionist
Physiotherapist

Animal care

Zookeeper
Pet groomer
Dog walking
Veterinarian

Information technology

Software developer
Computer programmer
UI/UX designer

Massage therapy

Remedial
Reflexology
Sports

Private investigation

Legal
Forensics
Financial
Civil/domestic

Small business

Turning your passion or hobby into a career is not easy, but all great projects start with a small leap of faith. Starting your own business, doing something you really love, can be a truly rewarding career choice.

You can start a candle-making business, artisanal soap-making business, and so much more. This will utilize your creativity and, at the same time, will offer you an open mind space to experiment with your ideas without the fear of being judged by superiors.

Here’s our list of the best jobs for introverts with social anxiety.

1. Veterinarian

veterinarian Job for Someone with Social Anxiety

Do you know why a veterinarian or veterinarian technician is the best starter job for someone with social anxiety? Because animals offer a source of comfort that bridges the gap in human interaction. Working with animals can be great for mental health. Some mental health clinics even offer pet therapy for people with SAD to offer support and comfort through treatment.

The job offers the chance to practice interacting while discussing details with pet owners. But, this is not bad as it often places an individual in command of the room.

2. Tutor

Tutoring is arguably the best starter job for someone with social anxiety as it allows you to practice social interaction with one or two students at a time. Tutoring positions are also great for people with milder SAD symptoms who find themselves comfortable having interpersonal interactions with a few people at a time.

You can start online tuitions or offer offline tutoring services from any comfortable setting.

3. Gardener or Landscaper

Working in tight cubicles, attending regular meetings, sharing awkward small talks with co-workers can be overwhelming for people with SAD. So probably what makes the best starter job for someone with social anxiety is exposure to fresh air, sunlight, and nature.

What job can offer the best time with nature than gardening or landscaping? Gardening is therapeutic and calming and can be very helpful if a person has a bad SAD.

4. Librarian

Libraries are quiet. We all know that. Thus, working at a library is probably one of the best jobs for introverts with social anxiety. The social interactions are limited, the work often involves spending hours alone cataloging and stocking books and organizing shelves.

5. Dog Groomer or Walker

Working with animals is therapeutic. For people with SAD, it offers an opportunity to avoid social interactions, making dog grooming or walking the best starter job for someone with social anxiety.

As a groomer, you can work at pet stores, private homes, vet clinics, etc.

6. Mental Health Therapist

You might wonder why therapy is on the list of jobs for introverts with social anxiety. The reason is very explained by Eric Patterson, Professional Counselor, and Clinical Mental Health Supervisor.

“Sometimes, the best way to address social anxiety is to increase social interactions in safe and controlled environments, Being a therapist allows frequent social interaction in ways that can add comfort and confidence in relationships outside of the workplace.”

7. Customer Service Support

Customer service support is yet another best starter job for someone with social anxiety. With the increase in the number of online businesses, it is probably the best time to seek jobs like customer service to support online sales and other functions.

People with SAD have a hard time interacting with large groups of people. While, in some cases, they can have quite mindful one-to-one conversations.

The conversations on a customer support job are usually conducted via phone or email. This level of interaction is less stressful.

8. Artist

Artist - Social Anxiety Jobs from Home | Jobs for Introverts with Social Anxiety

Another one of the great social anxiety jobs from home is that of an Artist. Although, making a living as an artist is not an easy pursuit.

Till the time you earn fame and make a name for yourself, you may need to take on a day job to support yourself. That’s if you plan to have a full-time career as an artist. Otherwise, you can keep making art as a side hustle.

You can make paintings, craft items, graffitis, jewelry, comic strips, candles, and so much more.

But if you are not much interested in this type of work, you might want to take up graphics designing or digital illustration. It will offer you a great opportunity to express yourself and communicate your thoughts without actually having to communicate.

A key part of being an artist is selling your art. This will require communication and networking with clients and other artists, which will be good for challenging your anxiety from time to time.

9. Writer or Editor

The main reason we chose writing as one of the best social anxiety jobs from home is that it offers you to work from anywhere with little to no interpersonal interaction. You can work from home or the office. And, if you love to travel, then you can write on the go! Even better, you can write about travel.

As a writer or an editor with an organization, you mostly communicate via emails, reducing symptoms of anxiety. The job positions can be altered to the level of social interaction one’s ready for based on their condition.

Many writers work successfully as freelancers. They work at their leisure and with fewer deadlines than someone working for a company.

10. Computer Programmer, UI/UX Designer

If you’re detail-oriented, can focus for long durations, and enjoy solving problems, then a career in computer programing is best for you. While communication skills are extremely important for professional jobs, it is the analytical ability of a programmer that’s valued the most. The social interaction is minimal or, at least, limited to the team members.

But, if you have a creative mind, and love computers, then UI/UX designing makes the perfect social anxiety jobs from home. Here, keep in mind that you might be required to communicate with other teams to discuss projects, ideas, and concepts.

11. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a great option when it comes to social anxiety jobs from home. Contrary to traditional marketing, which requires maximum social interaction, digital marketing does not strain your social nerves.

Digital marketing continues to be one of the most exciting and flourishing industries. The role of a digital marketer is to create experiences and experiences are the new social currency.

12. Data Entry, Statistics, Research

Data entry, research, statistics, etc. make the perfect jobs for introverts with social anxiety.

With positions like data entry and research, employees often get the option to work remotely. This is specifically comfortable for people with SAD.

Next, in these jobs, you have to work with strict guidelines and deadlines. This offers a sense of structure and organization making work even more comfortable.

Also Check: 10 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers in the USA!

A Word from 9to5Job

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody, but oneself.”
– Virginia Woolf

Best Jobs for Someone with Anxiety and Depression – Looking for a job that suits your needs is a big step towards self-awareness. But, at the same time, keep reminding yourself that nothing is as chaotic as it seems and nothing is worth diminishing your health.

Go easy on yourself. Whatever you do today, let it be enough!

So, this was all about the best starter job for someone with social anxiety and/or depression. Feel free to hit us up for any queries or quotes for our services.

We hope that you find a career that you love and enjoy. 💝

23+ Best Jobs for Someone with Anxiety and Depression