Have you ever noticed that some people prefer to text rather than talk on the phone? Some people may avoid making calls as much as possible and develop phone anxiety when having to make a call. This is called Telephone Phobia, and it’s more common than you think!
Some people may have phone anxiety about a specific phone call they are expecting, possibly due to work or a relationship. Others may have a more generalized fear of making and receiving any phone calls, regardless of what the conversation will entail.
Telephone Phobia looks different for everybody. Some people may experience anxiety before the call due to the anticipation of what is to come. Others may experience anxiety during the phone call, due to the fear of being judged by the person on the other end of the call. While other folks may experience their anxiety after the call, due to fear of how the conversation went.
Research believes that this condition is related to social anxiety, which causes a person to avoid situations where they will have social interaction. Although not face-to-face, making a call is a social interaction which some may dread due to making a mistake, freezing up and/or being criticized.
So, what can you do to manage your phone anxiety?
- Take deep breaths before answering or calling. Be mindful of your breathing.
- Give yourself a Loving Kindness statement. Remember – you got this! You can do it!
- Write out a few of your important ideas and points that you want to express to feel prepared for the call.
- Give yourself something to look forward to after the phone call is over. Treat yourself to your favorite snack or movie.
- Remind yourself that you can always hang up if you need to. You don’t have to stay in the conversation if you are feeling anxious. Saying, “I will call you back later” and taking time for yourself is completely okay.
- Remember that you have more control than you think. You may not be able to control other people’s responses and reactions, but you can control yours.
“Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strengths.” – Corrie Ten Boom, Dutch Writer
