5 Jobs for People with Anxiety (2023)

If you experience anxiety it can be challenging to find a job that suits your needs. But career options, such as photo editing, may be a good fit for you.

Many people experience anxiety from time to time throughout their life. But when it becomes a problem with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety.

Living with anxiety can be challenging since it can affect many parts of your life, including your job. Some jobs are stressful, require a lot of social interaction, or are generally not a good fit for people with anxiety disorders.

But there are several occupations and jobs that may be a better fit if you’re living with anxiety.

Many companies have a need for guards to keep an eye on their facilities overnight when not many people are around. If you have social anxiety or want a position that is relatively low stress, being an overnight guard may be a good fit.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider with this type of position, namely, your sleep. Studies have shown that about 1 in 5 shift workers develop shift work sleep disorder.

Like other sleep disorders, it can lead to not getting enough sleep and reduced quality of life. It can also affect your ability to perform your job, behavior, and mood.

If you want to test your knowledge about sleep, you can try out this quiz.

One of many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the rise in remote work throughout the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021. About 27.6 million Americans now work primarily from home.

While not everyone enjoys the shift to working from home, if you have anxiety, it may be the perfect fit. You often only need to interact with others through email, virtual meetings, and phone calls or texts. You may never need to set foot in an actual office.

This can be great for anyone with social anxiety due to the limited interactions you will need to have with others.

A possible downside is the perceived lack of separation between work and home. This can lead to additional anxiety about feeling “always on” or a need to be constantly available to “prove” you’re working.

Setting a clear work schedule and establishing firm expectations with coworkers and your company may help with separating home and work life.

Video editing, photography, or photo editing are all relatively low stress positions and may not require much social interaction. Like other professions on this list, you will often work independently, which makes them good for people with social anxiety.

But a person should avoid wedding photography if they have anxiety. Wedding photography is stressful and often involves dealing with a lot of people directly.

There are many skilled professions that can be low stress and require only limited interactions with others. These include positions such as:

  • plumber
  • electrician
  • heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repair technician
  • appliance repair

People who work these professions often work independently. They may be their own boss or work for a larger company.

Freelance writing is often done at home. A writer rarely, if ever, needs to step foot in an actual office, which makes it another great option if you have social anxiety.

Though writing jobs can vary and have different expectations, often a writer gets assigned or chooses from different assignments from the company they work for. They’re then given due dates to get the work done by and often only interact with others via email.

Of course, expectations can vary between positions. Some writing jobs require you to interview experts or speak with people on the phone. This may trigger anxiety for some. You may want to double check with the company you plan to write for to see if you’ll be required to do interviews.

It may help to know that if you are working with an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. An estimated 18% of workers disclosed they have an anxiety disorder, including:

  • generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • panic disorder
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Here are some tips to get you started with the conversation about accommodations:

Ask yourself some reflective questions first

Consider asking yourself the following questions:

  • Can I perform the essential duties of the job?
  • Am I able to keep up with treatments?
  • Can I perform the job to the best of my abilities as a person with a psychiatric disability?

If the answer to these types of questions is “yes” you may not need to speak to your employer about accommodations. If you have any doubts though, it may be time for the conversation.

Go prepared for the discussion

It can help you during your conversation to figure out exactly what you are asking for first, such as:

  • What tasks do you need help with?
  • What reasonable support can your employer provide?

The more clearly you understand and can discuss what you need, the better the conversation can go. It may also help alleviate some of your anxiety about the meeting.

When you ask

Keep in mind that your employer can use the discussion about accommodations as a time to ask you some questions about your anxiety. They can also ask you for medical documentation about your disability.

During the discussion, focus on clearly defining your needs and try to gear the conversation to what you are asking for. Again, figuring out what you need and are asking for ahead of time may help.

Know your rights

You don’t need to disclose that you have anxiety or any other mental health disorder. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990 and states that your employer can’t discriminate against you because of a mental health disorder.

You also don’t need to disclose your mental health to a prospective employer (i.e. during a job interview) or to an existing employer. You only need to tell them you have generalized anxiety or other mental health concerns if you’re requesting an accommodation.

This can be an intimidating and challenging conversation due to fears of misconception or dismissal (which is illegal) due to being open about your condition. But, it’s important to have the conversation before anxiety impacts your job performance.

Was this helpful?

Anxiety can make work more challenging. Some jobs may be better suited for people with anxiety than others, depending on the type of anxiety they have and their needs.

You may not need to disclose your anxiety to your employer if you don’t believe it will ever affect your ability to do your job. But if you feel like your job performance may suffer, requesting reasonable accommodations from your employer may help.

If you’re having difficulties starting the conversation, keep in mind that your employer can’t fire you for having anxiety or discriminate against you in any way, like not giving you a promotion or raise.

You may find talking to a psychiatrist or counselor may help. They may be able to give you some ideas on how to get the conversation started and how to proceed.

With the right preparation and support, you may find that conversation about accommodations for anxiety will go much smoother.

FAQs

What jobs are best for people with anxiety? ›

20 More Jobs for People with Anxiety Disorders
  • Freelance writer.
  • Social media specialist.
  • Electrician.
  • Factory worker.
  • Photographer.
  • Massage therapist.
  • Video editor.
  • Plumber.

What are 5 coping skills for anxiety? ›

Here are 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:
  • Keep physically active. ...
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. ...
  • Quit smoking, and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages. ...
  • Use stress management and relaxation techniques. ...
  • Make sleep a priority. ...
  • Eat healthy foods. ...
  • Learn about your disorder.
Jul 20, 2021

What jobs are good for people with anxiety and depression? ›

So we've taken the pressure off your job search by rounding up the 5 best jobs for people living with depression and/or anxiety.
  • 1: Librarian. ...
  • 2: Gardener & Landscaper. ...
  • 3: Data Entry. ...
  • 4: Courier/Delivery Driver. ...
  • 5: Be your own Boss.
Mar 17, 2021

What are 5 things people with high functioning anxiety do? ›

Many characteristics of individuals with high-functioning anxiety are thought of positively, such as being punctual, organized, outgoing, helpful, detail-oriented, proactive, and high-achieving. Others often view these characteristics as part of a person's personality rather than the result of anxiety.

How do I get a job with extreme anxiety? ›

Here are a few:
  1. Learn about your anxiety. Learn how to recognise your symptoms and develop ways to handle them.
  2. Prepare and plan ahead. ...
  3. Know your limits. ...
  4. Ask for help. ...
  5. Set boundaries. ...
  6. Look after yourself. ...
  7. Find someone you can trust.
Sep 10, 2020

How can I make money with severe anxiety? ›

  1. Writer. Writing is a dream job for many. ...
  2. Artist. An artist is another job that might be appealing if you live with social anxiety. ...
  3. Animal Care or Training. ...
  4. Accountant. ...
  5. Landscaper. ...
  6. Entrepreneur. ...
  7. Computer Programmer. ...
  8. Counselor.
Mar 31, 2023

What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety? ›

It involves looking around your environment to identify three objects and three sounds, then moving three body parts. Many people find this strategy helps focus and ground them when anxiety overwhelms them.

What triggers anxiety disorder? ›

Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.

What are the 4 Rs for anxiety? ›

In a series of graphics, Earnshaw breaks down the 4 Rs: relabeling, reattributing, refocusing, and revaluing—a therapy technique developed by psychology Jeffrey Schwartz that's often used in treatment for OCD.

How do I survive a job with anxiety? ›

Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety at Work
  1. Work! In addition to financial reasons, working can be important for your self-esteem and it adds to your social identity.
  2. Tell a trusted coworker. ...
  3. Educate yourself. ...
  4. Practice time management. ...
  5. Plan and prepare. ...
  6. Do it right the first time. ...
  7. Be realistic. ...
  8. Ask for help.
Oct 28, 2022

Can I get disability for anxiety? ›

Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers anxiety as a disability. However, people with anxiety may find it challenging to prove that their condition qualifies them for monthly disability benefits.

What are life skills for anxiety? ›

Meditation and Mindfulness.

Placing the focus on feelings, thoughts, or body sensations at the moment can help to eliminate negative thought patterns. Incorporating yoga and deep breathing will help decrease anxiety, depression, and stress.

What is something strong for anxiety? ›

Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.

Can you be denied a job because of anxiety? ›

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you simply because you have a mental health condition. This includes firing you, rejecting you for a job or promotion, or forcing you to take leave.

Is it hard to keep a job with anxiety? ›

Considering that anxiety is commonly linked to stress, it's no surprise that many people can't get a job due to anxiety or struggle to keep their positions because of conditions like social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder.

What jobs are good for people who overthink? ›

Research: Careers that involve research, such as scientific research or market research, may be well-suited for overthinkers as they involve a lot of analysis, critical thinking and attention to detail. Writing: Careers that involve writing, such as journalism, copywriting, or technical writing, may also be well.

What is a good job for social anxiety? ›

9 Ideal Jobs for People with Social Anxiety
  • Editor. If you're a detail-oriented person and you're looking for a job that allows you to use your creativity, then editing might be the perfect fit for you. ...
  • Freelance Writer. ...
  • Graphic Designer. ...
  • Web Designer. ...
  • Data Entry Specialist. ...
  • Accountant. ...
  • Animal Care or Training. ...
  • Horticulturist.

What are good jobs for people with depression? ›

20 Jobs for People with Depression
  • Gardening. Horticulture offers a wide range of careers in garden centres, greenhouses, professional landscaping firms and botanical gardens. ...
  • Food Delivery. ...
  • Tutoring. ...
  • Freelancing. ...
  • Merchandising. ...
  • Postal Service. ...
  • Florist. ...
  • Dog-Walking.

What is anxiety money? ›

Money anxiety involves intense worry, fear, and stress about finances, whether personal, business, or both. Money anxiety happens not only to people experiencing poverty, but also working and business professionals. While there are serious mental and physical health implications, effective treatment is available.

What is 5 4 3 for anxiety? ›

This technique asks you to find five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Using this with someone who feels anxious will help to calm them down and reduce their feelings of anxiety.

How I healed my anxiety without drugs? ›

Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: 7 Holistic Ways to Cope
  1. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check. ...
  2. Avoid Stimulants. ...
  3. Get Enough Sleep. ...
  4. Just Breathe. ...
  5. Practice Mindfulness. ...
  6. Exercise. ...
  7. Do What You Enjoy. ...
  8. Where to Get Help.
Dec 6, 2017

What are the three A's of anxiety? ›

“It is more than okay to not feel 100% all the time or to experience unexplained anxiousness. Take a moment to see it, absorb it, identify it. Accept it,” she added as she talked about the '3-3-3 rule' that “grounds us to the present moment creating mindfulness that helps us depart from unhealthy emotions”.

What the Bible says on anxiety? ›

Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Can brain scans show anxiety? ›

Brain imaging can reveal unsuspected causes of your anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by many things, such as neurohormonal imbalances, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or head injuries. Brain scans can offer clues to potential root causes of your anxiety, which can help find the most effective treatment plan.

What personality types are prone to anxiety? ›

Research has indicated that individuals with high emotional reactivity (high neuroticism) and introverted tendencies (low extroversion) are more likely to experience anxiety than other personality types [101].

What is the 555 method for anxiety? ›

First, you may want to start with a simple deep breathing exercise called the 5-5-5 method. To do this, you breathe in for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds. You can continue this process until your thoughts slow down or you notice some relief.

What is the 1 2 3 4 5 anxiety trick? ›

She said: 'Essentially, you tick your way through your five senses and name 5 things you can see at this very moment, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel (like your feet in your shoes, your bum on a chair), 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste, even if it's just the inside of your mouth or a sip ...

What is the 5x5 anxiety? ›

The 5x5 rule states that if you come across an issue take a moment to think whether or not it will matter in 5 years. If it won't, don't spend more than 5 minutes stressing out about it. When your problems need to be put into perspective, the 5x5 rule is a good thing to remember.

Is anxiety a form of mental illness? ›

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

Is anxiety a chemical imbalance? ›

But researchers don't know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. They suspect a combination of factors plays a role: Chemical imbalance: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.

How much disability can I get for anxiety? ›

The 70 percent disability rating criterion for depression and anxiety is the most inclusive insofar as it represents a wide array of symptoms, including a progression of symptoms noted in the lower disability ratings.

Do people with anxiety succeed in life? ›

In truth, some anxiety and stress are actually good for performance, pushing the person to achieve. What's different about those with Type A personality is that they've learned how to turn their stress and anxiety into a motivating factor that helps them succeed, rather than getting in their way.

What are 3 things to stop anxiety? ›

There are a number of things you can try to help combat anxiety, including:
  • Behavioral therapy.
  • Deep breathing.
  • Exercise.
  • Journaling.
  • Meditation.
  • Reading.
  • Socializing, following pandemic guidelines of social distancing, masking and hand hygiene)
  • Speaking with your health care provider.
Feb 10, 2021

What does extreme anxiety look like? ›

having a sense of dread, or fearing the worst. feeling like the world is speeding up or slowing down. feeling like other people can see you're anxious and are looking at you. feeling like you can't stop worrying, or that bad things will happen if you stop worrying.

What medications helps anxiety immediately? ›

The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Can you get disability for anxiety? ›

Is anxiety a disability? Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers anxiety as a disability. However, people with anxiety may find it challenging to prove that their condition qualifies them for monthly disability benefits.

Can people with anxiety go to work? ›

Although anxiety disorders are not physical maladies, they can affect people's ability to perform physical work. Thus, individuals who have panic attacks, shaking, or other common effects of anxiety disorders, may find it difficult to perform tasks which require fine motor skills.

At what point is my anxiety a disability? ›

Can You Get Disability for Anxiety? You may be able to get disability if you have anxiety if you are unable to work full time because of it or if affects your daily life activity.

How much disability is anxiety worth? ›

30% This disability rating is perhaps the most common one. It is appropriate if the aforementioned symptoms are worse but still manageable.

How much disability do you get for anxiety? ›

The 70 percent disability rating criterion for depression and anxiety is the most inclusive insofar as it represents a wide array of symptoms, including a progression of symptoms noted in the lower disability ratings.

Is it OK to quit a job because of anxiety? ›

By leaving a stressful situation, you might end up defeated by the job and may feel as if you failed. If anxiety wins by quitting your job, then you may let anxiety beat you in other areas of your life. There's something to be said for sticking it out and making some changes to decrease stress and anxiety.

What is high functioning anxiety? ›

Instead, high-functioning anxiety typically refers to someone who experiences anxiety while still managing daily life quite well. Generally, a person with high-functioning anxiety may appear put together and well- accomplished on the outside, yet experience worry, stress or have obsessive thoughts on the inside.

Should I tell my work I have anxiety? ›

It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.

Do I have to tell my work I have anxiety? ›

Remember, you're not legally required to tell your employer about your mental health condition, unless there's a risk to yourself or others.

Where should I work if I have social anxiety? ›

9 Ideal Jobs for People with Social Anxiety
  • Editor. If you're a detail-oriented person and you're looking for a job that allows you to use your creativity, then editing might be the perfect fit for you. ...
  • Freelance Writer. ...
  • Graphic Designer. ...
  • Web Designer. ...
  • Data Entry Specialist. ...
  • Accountant. ...
  • Animal Care or Training. ...
  • Horticulturist.

What if my job triggers my anxiety? ›

Share Your Feelings

If you don't have a coworker you trust, you can talk to a friend, family member or mental health professional. Talking about anxiety with the right person can help you process these intense emotions and it can be validating if the person is supportive and understanding.

What is a good job for someone who doesn t know what to do? ›

8 Jobs for People Who Don't Know What to Do
  • Home Health Aide. Average Annual Salary: $24,000. ...
  • Police Officer. Average Annual Salary: $47,000. ...
  • Physical Therapist. Average Annual Salary: $69,000. ...
  • Pharmacist. Average Annual Salary: $119,000. ...
  • Dietician. ...
  • Army Infantryman. ...
  • Genetic Counselor. ...
  • Real Estate Agent.
Sep 5, 2022

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated: 22/01/2024

Views: 6068

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.