April 8th, 2020
There are all different types of phobias that fall into the social anxiety category. They may depend on the individual, past experiences, and fears about the future. One type of fear that falls within the social anxiety category is that of communication over the phone, also known as phone anxiety, or telephone phobia.
Some people may have phone anxiety about a specific phone call that they are expecting, possibly due to a work call or a relationship problem. While others may have a more generalized fear of making and receiving any phone call at all, regardless of the topic. These emotions can develop at different times:
Source: Why do phone calls give us anxiety?
Often times when people are afraid of interacting over the phone they may experience symptoms of anxiety. When a person is feeling anxious, some of their symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
With almost all cases of anxiety, come physical symptoms and reactions to the fears associated with making and receiving phone calls. These symptoms can be present before, during, or after the phone call. Some of these physical symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
Whether you are dealing with a generalized fear of the phone or a specific conversation that is to be had over the phone, there are all sorts of reasons why people develop feelings of stress and anxiety with regard to phone calls. Some common reasons and examples why people may experience anxiousness in these situations might include:
If your phone anxiety is not identified and managed, further mental health issues are at stake. For example, if you persistently avoid phone calls and conversations that are crucial to your livelihood and interpersonal relationships you may suffer the consequences. Some of these consequences could include the following:
When these types of losses become present in our lives, potential serious mental health concerns could be at risk in the future. Some of these possible mental health issues include:
Source: Phone Anxiety: Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, Coping
Dealing with phone anxiety, and social anxieties in general, may not be easy, but it is important to find healthy ways to cope for both your mental and physical health. Try out some of these tips to help get over your worries and fears surrounding making, receiving, and conversing with others during phone calls and other social interactions….
At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained staff who specialize in therapy and psychiatry services. To learn more about how we can support your mental health, call Clarity Clinic at (312) 815-9660 or schedule an appointment today.
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