'Phone Anxiety' Is A Real Thing, And Here Are The Signs | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

'Phone Anxiety' Is A Real Thing, And Here Are The Signs

How to know if you have a phobia of the phone.

455
'Phone Anxiety' Is A Real Thing, And Here Are The Signs
energepic.com

If you have a fear of talking on the phone, know that you aren't alone. Telephonophobia, Telephobia, or Phone Phobia is the fear of making or taking phone calls, or more specifically, telephones in general.

Phobias are often linked to a frightening event or stressful situation from our past. For example, somebody may develop the fear after having a negative experience over getting a call about a breakup or a bad medical diagnosis. Often, however, telephone phobia is due to social anxiety.

Social anxiety is when you’re so worried about being judged by others that important things in your life become hard. Fun fact: its actually the third largest mental health care problem in the world today. Studies have shown that it affects about 7% of the population at any given time. You can learn more about social anxiety here.

A fear of talking on the phone may be considered a phobia when your hesitance to make and receive calls causes you to experience common symptoms associated with phobias, such as severe anxiety, shortness of breath, or a racing heartbeat.

Symptoms

If you answer "yes" to any of these, your phone fear may indeed be a phobia.

Before and after calls do you:

  • feel extremely anxious?
  • delay making phone calls due to anxiety? Maybe even by days, weeks, or months?
  • worry about bothering the other person?
  • worry about what you will say?
  • worry about embarrassing yourself?
  • avoid making calls or having others call you?
  • obsess about what was said after calls?
  • Wish that it would go straight to voicemail? Or even wish there was a way to go automatically to voicemail?
  • Do you dial with shaky hands and have irregular breathing?

Remember: Having phone anxiety is not the end of the world. In today's society, the percentage of people who actually use their cell phones to talk on the phone is slim. What was once a major form of communication, taking up hours of many people's days, is now not only more limited but may be going the way of mailed letters and telegrams. Even though this may be true, talking on the phone is still a vital skill that we may need for another couple centuries. Instead of wishing for the days where everyone just texts, there are some ways to get better at talking on the phone.

Here are some strategies that you can try at home to help you cope with Phone Anxiety:

1) Reward yourself after you make a phone call or respond to a voicemail

2) Take deep breaths and put a smile on your face before taking a call

3) Listen to calming music or sounds

4) If you are concerned about interrupting someone when you call, ask whether you are catching the person at a bad time. If the person is in the middle of something, this gives them the chance to offer to call you back.

5) Visualize yourself making these hard calls

6) Know that there are other forms of communications and phone calls may not be the best option, but don’t avoid phone calls (Face your problems face first!)


In our fast-paced, ever-changing, technology-driven society, we all need telephones in our lives for better or worse. If you suffer from phone anxiety, know that you aren't alone. There are people around the world who suffer from the same things you do, and help is out there. The more you do it, the less daunting it will seem. Set concrete goals and see them through. You got this.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15227
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6598
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4880
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4297
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments