Phone phobia: For as long as I can... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

92,641 members86,484 posts

Phone phobia

aries10 profile image
5 Replies

For as long as I can remember I’ve been afraid to call people or even answer my phone. I’ve been working from home the last 3.5 months and have been completely isolated. I’ve wanted to call a friend/s but my phone phobia always stops me. It’s like I’m afraid of being rejected or I need to know exactly what to say. I just exhaust myself. I don’t call anyone and then I feel lonely and depressed. Can anyone else relate to this? Any advice?

Written by
aries10 profile image
aries10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
kittenkisses91 profile image
kittenkisses91

I totally have this too! I try to think of what I’ll say before calling. Like a script. It helps. Can you text your friends? Or email? That’s easier for me, and it gives people time to respond when they are free so it’s not like your disrupting them by calling. I also have to talk on the phone a lot at work and that has helped my fear a bit.

Yea when my seretonin levels are low, I cant even think straight on the phone or in person.It's like I forget what I want to say and cant respond quickly. It's like my brain goes completely dumb and I struggle with just basic conversations. Then I get even more anxious about how dumb and insecure I sound. It is a nightmare.

Yes, I do not like talking on the phone at all. I didn't even answer the phone to talk to my therapist twice, now he stopped calling. This girl I've been trying to get via text message for the longest time finally tried to call and talk to me and I couldn't even make myself answer the phone and I made up some excuse like I was mad at her or something. Everybody knows, if you want to talk to me, text me, but I will not answer the phone. I feel good after I do muster up the courage to talk in the phone though, but then I replay everything that was said and hope that I said everything just right. I don't have much advice, but you might just practice with somebody you feel comfortable with. Like your friend you said. Just tell them how you have this fear and that will help ease the tension. Practice until you get better, because it does feel good after you do. I need to work on it.

I would say you could call me and practice with me, but it would probably be a pretty silent phone call, if I even answered. lol Not trying to poke fun, just letting you know that I get it.

And when I do call people I'm relieved when they don't answer as I sit there counting how many times it rings, hoping they don't answer. After 3 rings, I'm out!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Phone anxiety

Hey guys, Has anyone experienced phone anxiety? Like I’ve always avoided talking on the phone, but...
Bellaella94 profile image

Social phobia

I've always felt afraid in public, as a kid I thought I'm probably just socially awkward or shy but...
Ranim_ profile image

phone consult with psychiatrist

Has anyone had a phone consult with a psychiatrist? I have just received a call to say that my apt...
Jenny583 profile image

phone games

I was wondering if anyone knows phone games or apps suitable for soothing or stimulating the mind....
94Killed profile image

Fear of talking on the phone

I'm afraid of talking on the phone. Won't answer calls. Won't return them. It's not that I don't...

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.