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Kiara
Student
Indio, California
1
Question
Asked
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Can I still be a LCSW with an anxiety disorder?
I am transferring to CSUSB this upcoming fall and joining their pre-social work program. I want to be social worker, but I am worried my anxiety disorder might get in the way of that. I love serving my community and I love meeting new people, but I have a hard time networking with people in my same field because of my anxiety. I know networking is a big part of being a social worker. You can't provide your clients with the resources they need if you don't make connections. I want to know if there are any MSW, BSW, or LCSW who have felt this way. How do you over come it? Can I still be a social worker if I have an anxiety disorder?
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2 answers
Nija Jackson, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
129
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nija’s Answer
Hi Kiara,
I want to start by saying how incredibly proud I am of you for being open about your anxiety and for taking this important step toward becoming a social worker. I went through grad school for social work and am now an LCSW, so I can confidently say that you can absolutely pursue this path, even with an anxiety disorder.
I've been in your shoes, feeling the same way. I also struggled with anxiety, especially when it came to networking and speaking up in professional settings. It can seem overwhelming at first, but over time, I learned to work with my anxiety instead of fighting it. I found ways to prepare for conversations, remind myself of my strengths, and take breaks when needed. With more experience, my confidence grew.
Remember, you don't have to be the loudest voice to form meaningful connections. Being a good listener, showing empathy, and following up in writing can leave a lasting impression. Networking can take many forms; it doesn't always have to be formal or in large groups. One-on-one chats, sending a thoughtful message on LinkedIn, or volunteering are all wonderful ways to connect.
Having anxiety doesn't make you any less capable. In fact, it can enhance your compassion and sensitivity to others' needs. You're already demonstrating the self-awareness and empathy that make a great social worker. Keep going, because the field needs people like you who care deeply and understand how to overcome personal challenges while supporting others.
You've got this. Take it one step at a time.
I want to start by saying how incredibly proud I am of you for being open about your anxiety and for taking this important step toward becoming a social worker. I went through grad school for social work and am now an LCSW, so I can confidently say that you can absolutely pursue this path, even with an anxiety disorder.
I've been in your shoes, feeling the same way. I also struggled with anxiety, especially when it came to networking and speaking up in professional settings. It can seem overwhelming at first, but over time, I learned to work with my anxiety instead of fighting it. I found ways to prepare for conversations, remind myself of my strengths, and take breaks when needed. With more experience, my confidence grew.
Remember, you don't have to be the loudest voice to form meaningful connections. Being a good listener, showing empathy, and following up in writing can leave a lasting impression. Networking can take many forms; it doesn't always have to be formal or in large groups. One-on-one chats, sending a thoughtful message on LinkedIn, or volunteering are all wonderful ways to connect.
Having anxiety doesn't make you any less capable. In fact, it can enhance your compassion and sensitivity to others' needs. You're already demonstrating the self-awareness and empathy that make a great social worker. Keep going, because the field needs people like you who care deeply and understand how to overcome personal challenges while supporting others.
You've got this. Take it one step at a time.
Samantha McIntosh, ACC
2
Answers
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
I'm not a social worker or practicing therapist, but I am a psychology practitioner and life coach. I think some of the best mental health professionals are ones that have experience with the challenges their clients face. In coaching, we say that often your clients are a mirror of your own work. I find this to be true. Many of my clients are going through, or have gone through similar challenges to my own. I often find I'm just a little a head of them in my own journey.
Your anxiety offers you an opportunity to relate to your clients on an emotional and empathetic level that others might not be able to. As someone with depression and anxiety myself (along with ADHD and social anxiety), I would much rather work with a therapist who understands what I'm going through.
I think it's amazing that you want to work through your own challenges so that you can help others, you will make a great social worker.
Your anxiety offers you an opportunity to relate to your clients on an emotional and empathetic level that others might not be able to. As someone with depression and anxiety myself (along with ADHD and social anxiety), I would much rather work with a therapist who understands what I'm going through.
I think it's amazing that you want to work through your own challenges so that you can help others, you will make a great social worker.