Can I still be a teacher if I'm introverted?

All you need is dedication and a willingness to learn how to be a good teacher. A good college will make sure you get plenty of practice presenting to your peers and to younger students through clinical hours. You sound a lot like me when I graduated high school, I wanted to be a teacher but I felt I lacked the confidence to speak in front of a class and I was concerned my depression and anxiety would get in the way. Three years into my education and social studies major I can tell you confidently as long as you are willing to sometimes go out of your comfort zone you can learn to be a good teacher. 

You sound dedicated, which is good, but when it comes to the job, can you really stand in front of a crowd of (somewhat judgmental) high school kids and constantly talk and communicate? I'm sure you know being a teacher means talking to a variety of different kinds of people and constantly, so you should ask yourself exactly how prepared you are to communicate with kids. Ask yourself these sorts of questions since you're a shy person and see if you're really up for it.

Although teaching is very anxiety-inducing, I believe it could do you good to talk to others and help them. You might get used to talking, and might be beneficial because you won't feel as anxious when talking to large groups of people, as you have already gotten used to it and know exactly what to expect. However, it's completely up to you. It's your life, not mine.

I have a rather difficult time believing you know what teaching is actually like--because if you did, I think you might want to choose a different career. Few professions have more anxiety built-in than teaching. Especially high school. Discipline is hard at that age and you'd have to be assertive enough to handle some of that, there's the bureaucracy, the low pay, the lack of supplies, the lack of good SCHOOLS. 

You sound like an idealist to me. And idealists are fine--as long as their environment is supportive and kind; but high school teaching is neither one of those things. It's hard. It's disappointing and you get a fast, quick slap of realism from day one. 

Shyness isn't the problem. The depression and anxiety are. You can be a good teacher if you're shy. But you will have difficulties in the hard reality of teaching if you've got anxiety. There aren't too many jobs where you're almost guaranteed to have anxiety--teaching is right up there at the top of that list. 

But all is not lost. You could teach language arts at a LOWER level--where there is not so much conflict. OR you could teach it at a HIGHER level--college, junior college or private tutoring--where there is not so much conflict and being shy won't be nearly so much of a detriment to your survival. OR you could try to find a job in the publishing, writing, or business industries where a solid background in English is needed. There are a lot of professions that require solid writing ability, or communications. Maybe some of those would be better suited to your personality. 

Congratulations on getting your depression under control, though--that's a very positive step. And since you haven't even been to college yet, things can change quite a bit. I'd say broaden your horizons--don't settle on one goal just yet. And work on the rest piece by piece. Great good luck to you. 

If you are anxious and are shy, then you may consider another career, maybe writer. Teachers are under great mental stress everyday and work long hours.

It is hard to be shy with a classroom of students. By that I mean, you may think you are shy, but you won't be as you quickly develop a relationship with the students. Many teachers are completely different in the classroom compared to outside the classroom. I HATE public speaking. I always have and still do. But when I entered the classroom, that went away. Students are surprised that I hate public speaking - they say it doesn't make sense.

Anyway, before you go off an a 4+ year adventure, try to find sometime to get into a classroom (probably near impossible at the moment) - most teachers would love to have you visit (when they actually have classes) and just get into the classroom and see how you feel. Ask the teacher if you could present something to the students (maybe a 5 minute presentation on a book you love or something like that). It is scary how many teachers quit in the first year because they didn't understand what a classroom was really like. This will get you a taste, but of course it will be different when you have your own class.

 A survey several years ago found that most English teachers are introverts. But shy and introverted are not the same thing. I know people mix them up, but they're not. I'm an introvert, but I have no trouble teaching or speaking at conferences. That's a different situation from going into parties where I don't know anyone. Everyone has anxiety when they start teaching. Being able to project confidence when you don't feel it is important. If high school students sense that you're insecure, they'll eat you alive. But if you go in smiling with the attitude that you're in charge, you know what you're doing, and everything is going to be fine, they'll be reassured, and you'll be able to establish a relationship with them. 

i dont see why not

Being shy is no problem and your confidence will increase with experience. What's possibly concerning are your mental health issues.

Some high schools are rather rough, and the "kids" can be brutal. I don't know what your issues are, but that's definitely something to think about before you jump in head first.

of  course … one's  directive  changes  between  personal  and  business … you  likely  will  become  adept  and  assertive  upon  your  appointment  with  teaching..