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Social anxiety
I get very anxious when I stay around people for long.
I am an MBBS doctor (passed in 2022) with 1 year of experience.
Since the past year I haven’t joined any hospital. Government jobs are not possible now due to my internship gap, and private hospitals ask for experience.
I really want to learn and grow, but I felt very low when one interviewer rejected me saying I had too much gap. This situation makes me feel depressed and confused about what to do next.
Answers (16)
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This sign is social anxiety . 1 year gap is not a long gap search hospitals to find job and you can internship and training to the hospital make link with the doctors may be you can find the solution and also you can do your master’s so you can do both. Why you thinking some told you gap always remember failure makes you perfect. You try in another hospital .
Next Steps
Don’t take tension about jobs there is lots of options for doctors .
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Hi
Thanks for reaching out. You feel anxious in social situations. You have not been working since the past one year. You are looking for a job and you want to learn and grow. What area of medicine are you specialising in? It is alright if you have not been working for one year. Avoid feeling guilty about it. You can continue your job search and approach the interview process with a calm state of mind. You can confidently tell the interviewer I have not been working for one year, but I have the skills to be a good doctor. Don’t lose hope because the interviewer said you have too much gap, you might be hired in another hospital. Don’t allow the one year gap to cause you to lose hope. You can continue with your job search. You can also increase your network on LinkedIn. If possible you can have a clinic at home. Figure out various ways to market yourself and get employed.
Work on having a positive mindset. A psychologist will guide you on how you can feel positive about getting a job and overcome social anxiety..
Next Steps
Consult a psychologist
Health Tips
Contact me for counselling sessions. Along with counselling I can suggest natural foods to calm the mind.
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Consult psychotherapist
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Hi,
I understand how difficult and discouraging this must feel for you — working hard to complete your MBBS, yet finding yourself stuck between gaps in opportunities and the weight of anxiety around people.
It’s natural to feel low, especially when they focus on something like a gap rather than your true abilities. Please remember that a break does not erase your knowledge, skills, or potential as a doctor.
Your anxiety may also be amplifying the stress, making interviews and interactions feel even heavier.
What can help is approaching this step by step — gently building your confidence through small, safe social exposures, using relaxation or grounding techniques when anxiety rises, and exploring supportive avenues like therapy or mentorship.
Professionally, you could look at short-term clinical trainings, CME courses, or part-time/volunteer opportunities to demonstrate ongoing learning and bridge the gap. You absolutely have the capacity to grow and find your place — this phase is a pause.
Health Tips
You can try grounding yourself each morning with 5–10 minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness, keep a short gratitude or reflection journal to shift focus from worries to progress, schedule at least one small social interaction daily (even a brief call or chat) to ease social anxiety gradually, set aside a fixed time for career-related tasks like updating your CV or applying for courses, and balance it with gentle physical activity such as walking or yoga to regulate mood and energy.
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Hi,you can go for higher studies
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I empathise with you, Two things stand out: your anxiety in social settings and the career setback. Both are feeding into each other. Right now, focus on regaining structure, start with small, low-pressure medical work like online consultations, health camps, or volunteering. This fills the “gap” and builds confidence. For anxiety, use grounding techniques before and after social exposure, and gradually increase your tolerance. Remember, one rejection doesn’t define your worth as a doctor. You still have skills patients need keep moving, even in small steps. Would you like me to suggest concrete daily practices to manage the anxiety?
Next Steps
Practice daily grounding: 5-4-3-2-1 method (name 5 things you see, 4 touch, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste).
Limit isolation—start with short, predictable social interactions and build tolerance.
Keep a worry journal: write anxious thoughts, then counter them with rational responses.
If sadness or anxiety persists, consider professional therapy or counseling for tailored support.
Health Tips
Instant consultation may help!!
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Hi
Next Steps
career counseling
Health Tips
may I help...
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I understand how tough this feels. Finishing MBBS is a big achievement, and a gap doesn’t erase your knowledge or skills. Many doctors face similar phases before finding the right opportunity.
Your anxiety in social or interview situations is understandable, but it can improve with small steps, like relaxation practices, gradual exposure, and preparing in advance. Talking to a mental health professional can also help build confidence.
Meanwhile, you could look into short courses, online certifications, or volunteering to strengthen your CV and reduce the impact of the gap. This is only a temporary phase and you can still move forward steadily.
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Hi
It sure is discouraging
You’ve put years into becoming a doctor, and now the gap plus anxiety around people is making you feel stuck like your effort is being overlooked. Rejection, especially when tied to your career dream, can hit very hard and shake your confidence. But this doesn’t mean you have no path forward; it only means the straight road you imagined isn’t the one you’re on right now.
What will help is breaking this into smaller, manageable steps: first, working on your anxiety with therapy so you feel more comfortable around people, and second, considering stepping-stone options like clinical assistantships, smaller private setups, research or online medical platforms to rebuild experience. Sometimes even volunteering in a hospital or clinic can fill the “gap” and open doors. This is not the end of your career it’s a difficult phase where you need both emotional support and practical direction. You can still grow into the doctor you want to be, just through a slightly different route.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five
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I understand how difficult social anxiety can feel, especially when it starts affecting your daily life and makes going out challenging. The good part is that it is highly manageable with the right support. I would strongly recommend seeking therapy, as it can help you work through these feelings, build coping strategies, and gradually regain confidence in social situations.
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Ms. Komal Singh Parihar
Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Navi Mumbai
Thank you for sharing your situation so honestly. It’s understandable to feel anxious and low when facing both social anxiety and challenges in your career path. Many people in the medical field experience similar struggles, especially when there are gaps in work or rejection in interviews—it does not mean you are less capable.
Next Steps
One helpful step you can begin is to practice gradual exposure: start by spending short periods in social or professional settings (for example, attending a workshop, volunteering in a clinic, or joining a small peer study group). This builds confidence step by step instead of overwhelming you all at once. Pair this with simple calming techniques such as slow breathing before and after interactions to regulate anxiety.
On the career side, even temporary roles like assisting in smaller clinics, teleconsultations, or short-term trainings can rebuild your confidence and experience while you look for bigger opportunities.
With counselling support, you can work through both the social anxiety and the feelings of rejection. Remember—you have already achieved so much by completing your degree. With patience and consistent steps, you can regain confidence and move forward.
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Mr. Fr Dr John Zachariah
Counselling Psychologist
9 yrs exp
Ernakulam
Consult a psychologist
Next Steps
consult our psychologist in Ernakulam
Health Tips
malayalam consultation 85898*53765
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Ms. Pooja Gupta
Counselling Psychologist
8 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi,
It's understandable to feel anxious and discouraged given your recent challenges and setbacks. As an MBBS doctor with a year of experience, itâs normal to face difficulties in finding opportunities, especially with gaps in your employment history. Remember, many doctors face similar hurdles and setbacks, but they also find ways to move forward. Consider exploring alternative avenues such as telemedicine, online medical consultation platforms, or volunteering with health organizations, which can help you build experience and confidence. You might also look into further specialized courses or certifications that could enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the job market. Keep in mind that setbacks donât define your worth or potential; they are just part of your journey. Stay patient and gentle with yourself, and try to seek support from mentors, fellow professionals, or career counselors who can guide you through these challenges. Your dedication to learning and growth is admirable, and with time and persistence, new opportunities will open up.
Next Steps
Consult
Health Tips
seek help
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Ms. Hema Sampath
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Consult a psychological Counselor for a better clarity and understanding about yourself and about your future life.
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Highlight your knowledge and eagerness to learn rather than focusing on the gap during interviews.
Regular exercise, meditation, and therapy can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
Remember, many doctors face career breaks—what matters is your persistence and willingness to grow.
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
counseling
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.