People With Distress: Best Careers

 

https://images.surferseo.art/84a3a5f5-6e38-4b00-9f71-313a849687b3.jpeg

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-orange-long-sleeve-shirt-sitting-on-gray-couch-rXrMy7mXUEs

According to the statistics, about 4% of the global population, or 301 million people have an anxiety disorder. Distress disorders are the most common illness in the world. Finding a position with this mental health condition is challenging, as you need to find a comfortable environment that will not trigger your apprehension and give you business satisfaction. Below, we have collected the best low-stress activities for individuals with social distress that need minimal social interaction and have predictable routines.

Topics Details
Creative Roles details...
1. Graphic Designer details...
2. Photographer details...
3. Artist details...
4. Video Editor details...
5. Interior Designer details...
Technology and IT Positions details...
1. Computer Programmer or IT Specialist details...
2. Web Developer details...
3. Data Analyst details...
Writing and Content Creation details...
1. Freelance Writer details...
2. Social Media Specialist details...
3. Journalist details...
Manual and Technical Activities details...
1. Electrician details...
2. Plumber details...
3. Mechanic details...
4. Baker details...
Health and Wellness Responsibilities details...
1. Counselor or Psychologist details...
2. Massage Therapist details...
3. Fitness Instructor details...
Administrative and Office Positions details...
1. Data Entry Clerk details...
2. Librarian details...
3. Medical Transcriptionist details...
4. Accountant details...
5. Archivist details...
Outdoor and Physical Activities details...
1. Groundskeeper or Gardener details...
2. Delivery Driver details...
Animal-Related Rexponsibilities details...
1. Pet Groomer details...
2. Veterinary Technician details...
Education and Tutoring details...
1. Tutor details...
2. Teacher details...
Miscellaneous Positions details...
1. Janitor details...
2. Factory Worker details...
3. Stocker or Receiver details...
Activities to avoid for people with apprehension details...
1. Customer Service Representative details...
2. Salesperson details...
3. Public Relations Manager details...
4. Public Speaker details...
5. Event Planner details...

How to use the list? Look through the list of duties for people with anxiety disorders and click on the job title to jump right to the comprehensive description. Feel free to choose the position that best accommodates your type of stress, be it a social distress disorder, generalized distress disorder, or health anxiety.

How to manage distress in the office?

Apprehension is a disorder characterized by intensive worries, feeling of tension, and a fear of anticipated events. Sometimes it also causes physical symptoms, such as elevated blood pressure, stomachache, headache, and trouble sleeping.

There are different types of stress disorders, and all of them have varying symptoms. Social distress is a popular apprehension type that involves fear and stress in social interactions and communicating with others. Social apprehension triggers include meeting new individuals, speaking in public, making small talks, and other. Panic disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by intense feeling of fear and physical symptoms like sweating and racing heart.

Individuals with apprehension disorders experience more stress in social situations, including study, activity, and search for employment process in particular. For that reason, fast-paced vocations that require intense social interaction and late schedule might not be a good fit. However, persons with distress and social fear thrive in analytical and routine vocations where they can easily manage their distress symptoms. Here are the best jobs for individuals with social tension, generalized fear disorder, and panic disorder.

Best activities for people with anxiety disorders

Here's a structured and organized version of the occupation list, grouped by categories and including Average Annual Salary, Advantages, and Disadvantages for each:

Creative Capacities

1. Graphic Designer

  • Average Annual Earnings: $53,380
  • Gains: Creative tenure, flexible hours, ability to operate remotely
  • Drawbacks: Competitive field, deadlines can be stressful

Vocations in arts are typically comforting and relaxing for individuals with tension disorders. If you have design skills and know photo editing software, you can create logos, websites, brochures, social media graphics, and other visual materials for clients. Moreover, this activity offers an outlet for your creative expression and you can earn money at the same time.

The function is perfect for persons with mental health conditions, as you can operate autonomously. Many graphic design positions are available remotely, allowing you to funciton at your own pace and minimize client interactions.

2. Photographer

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $41,280
  • Gains: Creative outlet, flexible schedule, variety in duties
  • Drawbacks: Inconsistent income, need for self-promotion

Photographer is another flexible low-stress employment for individuals with apprehension. Photographers eoprate in studios, on location, or remotely, capturing images for artistic or commercial purposes. You can choose a genre of photography that appeals to you, be it portrait, landscape, or fashion photography.

Although the duty does involve client interaction, you can manage your schedule and perform duties at a comfortable pace. Plus, you can funciton independently or as a freelancer, which makes it a dream tenure if you're seeking a low-pressure environment.

3. Artist

  • Mean Wage Per Annum: $50,550
  • Advantages: High creative freedom, flexible hours
  • Disadvantages: Unpredictable income, needs self-promotion

Many people with distress choose artistic professions, so if you have a passion for painting, sculpting, or digital art, you can turn it into a rewarding job. Artists operate independently in a quiet environment, which is perfect if you have severe social tension or panic disorder. You can create artwork for galleries and private collectors, or focus on commercial activity. Moreover, producing creative pieces can be therapeutic and bring you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

4. Video Editor

  • Average Earnings Per Annum: $63,780
  • Advantages: Creative activity, flexible hours, elevated query
  • Disadvantages: Long hours, tight deadlines

Video editors turn raw footage into finished videos for commercial purposes. They function for TV and film studios, advertising agencies, or as freelancers, managing their own schedules. If you seek a stimulating, fast-paced environment, this profession might be right for you. There are no extra educational requirements - in most cases, you will need a high school diploma and proficiency with video editing software. However, tight deadlines and duties pressure might be overwhelming for some.

5. Interior Designer

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $57,060
  • Benefits: Creative and fulfilling, flexible hours
  • Shortcomings: Client management can be stressful, competitive field

The interior designer function offers limited interactions with individuals and a great work-life balance as you can manage your schedule. Interior designers operate with clients, creating unique designs for living spaces, offices, and outdoor spaces. This position is suitable for persons with social tension and generalized distress disorder, as the routine is predictable and you can function at a comfortable pace. Although it does need human interaction, you typically cooperate with the same clients for some time so it is easy to manage.

Technology and IT Duties

1. Computer Programmer or IT Specialist

  • Mean Annual Wage: $89,190
  • Pros: Elevated demand, good income, potential for remote business
  • Cons: Long hours, constant need to update skills

Although most IT positions are fast-paced and stimulating, there are some duties for individuals with distress available in this sector. As a computer programmer, you can write code, test, and maintain computer software. Programmers develop websites, and applications, or maintain computer systems. This job offers competitive salaries, opportunities for growth, and potential for remote employment, which is helpful in managing your condition.

Looking to get hired faster as a tech professional? Read our guide on how to write a technical resume that gets you noticed even in the competitive employment market.

2. Web Developer

  • Average Earnings Per Annum: $77,200
  • Gains: Extra query, flexible hours, potential for remote employment
  • Drawbacks: Fast-paced industry, involves continuous learning

Web developers build and maintain websites, designing the user interface and ensuring that it is easy to navigate. It is not always a low-stress position, but it needs little social interaction as web developers mostly function by themselves. Moreover, you can operate flexible hours or remotely, which is it a perfect choice for someone with social tension symptoms. Some companies are willing to hire without a college degree and offer the capacity training and coaching. If you are attentive to detail and comfortable with ongoing learning, you can make a successful vocation in this field.

3. Data Analyst

  • Mean Yearly Wage: $62,453
  • Gains: Elevated interest, good income, analytical activity
  • Drawbacks: Repetitive tasks, needs attention to detail

Data analysts collect, clean and analyze data to identify insights and customer patterns. They help businesses make data-driven decisions that will benefit the company's bottom line. This occupation is suitable for persons with social distress disorder and even a panic attack as you operate single-handedly and don't interact with others much. Yet, if you have strong analytical skills and repetitive tasks appeal to you, a data analysis career can be rewarding.

3. Writing and Content Creation

1. Freelance Writer

  • Mean Annual Earnings: $63,200
  • Pros: Flexible schedule, can perform from anywhere
  • Cons: Inconsistent income, needs self-discipline

If you're seeking remote low-stress activities, the freelance writing field offers untapped possibilities. You can specialize in a particular niche or type of texts, for example, blog posts, articles, website copy, social media posts, books, and more. The income won't be very high at the beginning, but you can manage the overload to fit into your daily life and maintain a comfortable personal space. Plus, the creative aspect of writing can also be a therapeutic outlet for your mental illness.

2. Social Media Specialist

  • Average Yearly Income: $51,210
  • Benefits: Creative business, flexible hours, growing field
  • Shortcomings: Can be stressful, always need to be online

As many businesses grow their online presence, social media managers are in growing demand. In this duty, you will create content for social media platforms, engage audiences, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to the website. You can operate at the office or remotely. Keep in mind, however, that you'll need to communicate online a lot, which can be challenging. Plus, if you perform as a freelancer, the income may be inconsistent.

3. Journalist

  • Average Wage Per Annum: $49,300
  • Advantages: Engaging tenure, potential for travel
  • Disadvantages: Deadlines can be stressful, competitive field

If you don't have a severe social tension disorder, a journalist profession can be fulfilling as you can share information and make a difference through your writing. Journalists research and report on the events for online resources or traditional newspapers. As a journalist, you can also travel and explore various topics. Note that this field is super competitive and needs resilience.

4. Manual and Technical Positions

1. Electrician

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $56,180
  • Advantages: Elevated interest, good pay, hands-on employment
  • Disadvantages: Physically challenging, can be hazardous

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings. They function with electrical equipment, ensuring its safety and functionality. Skilled electricians are always in demand, and the structured activity can be comforting and even reduce apprehension. You don't need college education to get started. This vocation includes on-the-work training to teach you the basics and you can start making money quickly.

2. Plumber

  • Mean Income Per Annum: $55,160
  • Gains: Extra interest, good pay, hands-on employment
  • Drawbacks: Physically challenging, can be dirty business

Many manual positions are low-stress and provide a structured environment, which can be therapeutical when you have a mental health condition. Plumbing is an example of such a duty. Plumbers install and maintain water and drainage systems. They use technical knowledge to fix drainage systems. The position offers Elevated demand, good pay, and the satisfaction of hands-on employment. However, it can be physically challenging at times.

3. Mechanic

  • Mean Annual Wage: $44,050
  • Benefits: Extra interest, steady activity, hands-on
  • Shortcomings: Physically challenging, can be stressful

Mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles. This capacity with minimal social interaction involves following specific procedures and using diagnostic tools. You will operate with engines and mechanical systems to ensure the efficient operation of vehicles. Like other manual positions, it offers the satisfaction of fixing something and steady occupation. However, you may face stressful and conflict situations at times.

4. Baker

  • Average Yearly Earnings: $27,700
  • Gains: Creative employment, fulfilling
  • Drawbacks: Early mornings, physically demanding

https://images.surferseo.art/c18a4479-f2b5-4edb-83d1-2d86e6c1d29d.jpeg

Baker is a great fulfilling career for people with distress disorder. Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-gray-crew-neck-t-shirt-holding-pizza-IJcAs5GiecA

Baker is a structured business that involves performing with your hands and preparing delicious pastry. Bakers prepare breads, cakes, and other goods, and often function independently. The role offers creative expression and the satisfaction of creating something, which allows you to practice self-care if you have distress. Moreover, following specific instructions and measurements will help you achieve a sense of control.

5. Health and Wellness Positions

1. Counselor or Psychologist

  • Mean Annual Income: $82,180
  • Benefits: Fulfilling activity, extra interest
  • Shortcomings: Emotionally challenging, requires advanced education

Becoming a healthcare professional and helping others is common in individuals with mental health issues, including apprehension. For example, psychologists operate with individuals and groups to address various mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, and help improve their well-being.

The function asks for a relevant Master's degree and a license, and ongoing extensive training. However, these efforts pay off, as you get to make a difference in people's lives and can have a private practice in a peaceful environment.

2. Massage Therapist

  • Mean Earnings Per Annum: $43,620
  • Pros: Flexible schedule, rewarding activity
  • Cons: Physically challenging, calls for certification

Massage therapist is a low stress business. 2that offers a flexible schedule, allows for autonomy and control over the occupation environment. Massage therapists provide massages to patients, promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and improving overall health. The job can be physically tough but it's also rewarding as you can help persons relax and relieve stress. Plus, the hands-on approach and the focus on relaxation can be soothing if you have apprehension.

3. Fitness Instructor

  • Average YearlyWage: $45,110
  • Advantages: Flexible schedule, active employment
  • Disadvantages: Inconsistent income, physically challenging

Fitness instructor is a perfect position if you love physical activity and want to manage your schedule. To become an instructor, you need only a high school diploma and a general certification. The capacity involves leading group fitness classes, providing personal training sessions, and designing practice session plans for clients. However, it involves listening and interaction with clients, and asks for an increased level of energy.

6. Administrative and Office Positions

1. Data Entry Clerk

  • Mean Income Per Annum: $34,440
  • Pros: Low stress, consistent vacation
  • Disadvantages: Can be repetitive, low wage

Data entry clerks input information into databases and spreadsheets. This occupation is repetitive and monotonous, and therefore can be appealing to those with social distress disorders. It is low-stress and offers consistent overload, and the main responsibilities involve typing, formatting, and verifying data for accuracy. The downsides are that this profession offers a low pay and limited opportunities for advancement.

2. Librarian

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $60,820
  • Advantages: Quiet office environment, intellectually stimulating
  • Disadvantages: Needs advanced education, limited duty openings

Librarian is a perfect position for a bookworm. Librarians manage collections in the library, assist patrons with research, and also organize educational and cultural events. They operate in universities, libraries, and archives. The quiet office environment, structured tasks, and the intellectual nature of vacation is often appealing for individuals with apprehension. However, activity openings are limited, and this career involves extensive education.

3. Medical Transcriptionist

  • Average Wage Per Annum: $35,270
  • Pros: Can operate remotely, steady business
  • Disadvantages: Can be repetitive, low income

Medical transcriptionists convert voice recordings from physicians into text for patient records and medical reports. This is one of the most low-stress activities for persosn with distress, as it offers potential for remote employment and the tasks are structured and predictable. However, preparing accurate medical documentation can be too repetitive and the salary isn't impressive.

4. Accountant

  • Mean Annual Earnings: $73,560
  • Advantages: Good income, extra interest
  • Disadvantages: Can be stressful, requires attention

Accountants prepare financial statements, manage records, and analyze data to support data-driven business decisions. They are in demand in every industry, and can function in the office or remotely. Accounting vocations offer a good wage and growth prospects, which makes them an appealing option for many. The position needs attention and the ability to follow specific rules and procedures.

For those looking to start the profession in accounting, these CV writing tips for accounting roles can be helpful.

5. Archivist

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $54,830
  • Gains: Quiet office environment, fulfilling vacation
  • Drawbacks: Requests advanced education, limited position openings

Archivists manage and preserve valuable historical records for future generations. You'll perform in a peaceful environment and get the opportunity to operate with significant historical documents and artifacts. However, just like the librarian vocation, it is difficult to enter because you need advanced education and the occupation openings are limited.

7. Outdoor and Physical Duties

1. Groundskeeper or Gardener

  • Average Wage Per Annum: $32,000
  • Gains: Active activity, outdoors
  • Drawbacks: Physically challenging, low income

For those looking for low-stress positions with physical activity, gardening can be a perfect option. Gardeners maintain parks, residential areas, and other outdoor spaces, doing the mowing, planting, and weeding. As a gardener, you can funciton outdoor and enjoy fresh air. The role is predictable with repetitive tasks, but can be physically difficult.

2. Delivery Driver

  • Mean Yearly Income: $36,650
  • Advantages: Independent occupation, active duty
  • Disadvantages: Traffic, long hours

Delivery drivers transport packages and goods. The activity offers autonomy and independence, as you can set your own pace while performing. Plus, it is easy to get started as no education or training is needed. However, the position can be stressful due to traffic, long hours, and unpredictable situations with clients. It might not be suitable for those who are easily overwhelmed.

1. Pet Groomer

  • Mean Yearly Wage: $29,760
  • Pros: Rewarding employment, flexible schedule
  • Disadvantages: Physically challenging, can be inconsistent

Pet groomers bathe, trim, and style animals, which can be a rewarding profession if you love pets. It also has the potential for flexibility and you can operate from home. Plus, if you have anxiety, working with animals can be incredibly therapeutic, and the physical activity the business involves will benefit your health and well-being.

2. Veterinary Technician

  • Average Earnings Per Annum: $35,320
  • Benefits: Performing with animals, fulfilling
  • Shortcomings: Emotionally difficult, asks for certification

Vet technicians assist veterinarians with examining animals, taking vital signs, and administering medications. This role allows you to cooperate with animals and take care of their well-being. It is one of the best vocations for people with distress because staying in touch with animals can be comforting and you get to help others. If you are compassionate, have a strong sense of empathy, and aren't afraid of physically challenging tasks, it would be a good fit.

9. Education and Tutoring

1. Tutor

  • Mean Income Per Annum: $39,350
  • Advantages: Flexible schedule, rewarding
  • Disadvantages: Inconsistent income, requests patience

Being an online tutor is a great position for individuals with tension. You can provide instruction to students of all ages and help them improve their performance without the necessity to meet face-to face. You can teach any academic subject or the English language to foreigners. Plus, you can have a flexible schedule and manage your overload.

2. Teacher

  • Average Wage Per Annum: $62,870
  • Advantages: Rewarding activity, good benefits
  • Disadvantages: Can be stressful, needs advanced education

If your apprehension isn't severe, you can work with students in the classroom. The work of a teacher can be extremely rewarding, especially if you are passionate about your subject. The downside is, the role requests a lot of patience and strong conflict management skills.

10. Miscellaneous Positions

1. Janitor

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $29,080
  • Pros: Independent employment, steady function
  • Disadvantages: Physically demanding, low income

On Reddit, you can find many stories from persons with distress disorders performing as janitors or cleaners. This monotonous and repetitive duties allows you to be on your own while offering a steady income and independent business. However, physical fitness and stamina are necessary.

2. Factory Employee

  • Average Yearly Wage: $32,840
  • Gains: Steady vacation, structured environment
  • Drawbacks: Physically demanding, repetitive tasks

Another good option if you prefer physical activity and repetitive tasks. As a factory employee, you will operate the machinery, assemble products, and inspect goods. The tenure offers routine and predictability with clear expectations, but can be physically challenging.

3. Stocker or Receiver

  • Mean Income Per Annum: $28,600
  • Gains: Steady vacation, independent
  • Shortcomings: Physically dificult, low earnings

Stockers and receivers operate in warehouses and retail settings. They receive and organize goods, and maintain the inventory, often in a team. The main downside is low income.

Positions to avoid for people with distress

1. Customer Service Representative

  • Average Earnings Per Annum: $35,830
  • Benefits: High interest, structured environment
  • Drawbacks: High stress, constant interaction

This duty asks for constant interaction with customers and addressing their questions and issues. Dealing with upset clients can be stressful if you have apprehension and cannot perform under pressure.

2. Salesperson

  • Mean Yearly Wage: $44,270
  • Pros: Potential for high earnings, variety
  • Disadvantages: High stress, requests constant interaction

If you have distress symptoms, a retail business isn't the best option. It requests heavy interaction with individuals, including dealing with rejection. All this can negatively affect your mental well-being.

3. Public Relations Manager

  • Mean Yearly Earnings: $118,430
  • Advantages: Extra income, dynamic business
  • Disadvantages: Elevated stress, constant interaction

PR managers manage company's communication with the public and extensively communicate with media and stakeholders. The capacity is stressful and involves excellent communication skills, which may be overwhelming if you have distress.

4. Public Speaker

  • Average Earnings Per Annum: Varies widely
  • Advantages: Elevated potential earnings, influential
  • Disadvantages: Elevated stress, needs confidence

Public speaking includes a high level of confidence and the ability to function with a large audience. People with apprehension often struggle speaking in front of the crowd and experience performance anxiety, which makes it not the best career choice.

5. Event Planner

  • Mean Yearly Income: $51,560
  • Pros: Creative and dynamic activity
  • Drawbacks: High stress, requires constant interaction

Event planners is a fast-paced, hectic job, as it involves tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and fast problem-solving. Plus, you need to be always in touch with clients, vendors, and attendees.

As you see, there are multiple position options for persosn with apprehension and social distress disorder. Some entry-level positions are available after short employment training. So, if you feel that your current employment triggers your distress and worsens your condition, it's time to approach the job search process with self-awareness.

Take the time to understand what routine will comfort you and what type of employment will help you with managing apprehension. It's possible to build a successful profession even with social tension - you just need some extra planning and analysis.

Want a beautiful professional CV that will get you noticed?

A good, keyword-optimized profile is paramount for the success of your employment hunt. The experts of ResumePerk can prepare a stellar professional portfolio that highlights your key strengths and potential. You'll operate directly with the assigned writer who will take all your wishes into account. Plus, all biographies we write are keyword-optimized and ATS-friendly. Make the first step towards your dream vocation with us!

Recommended reading:

Author: Editorial Team at ResumePerk.com

Reviewed by: Certified Career Expert

Last updated: November 2025