Fear of phone calls

[Daisy129]

I have struggled with social anxiety for many years. Most things I have been able to develop strategies for dealing with but for some reason I just cannot get past my fear of making and answering calls. I find it easier to make calls to strangers when it is structured and I have a clear start and end to the call, but if I have to make a personal call to a family member, close friend or colleague, I really find it tough. When my phone rings, my heart races and I get really hot in the face, I just don't want to answer it. When I have to make a call it will often take days and repeated attempts and lots of worry in between. When I manage to make or take a call, I squirm all the way through, trying to be polite but honestly cannot wait to hang up. Just wondered if anyone else has this? Are there good ways of dealing with this or is it just best to avoid phone calls and communicate in other ways??

[paddyanne]

My 'pet' peeve is telemarketer callers. I have an answerphone machine on my landline. It automatically answers and if someone genuinely wants me they can leave a msg and it's my choice to call back, ignore, delete, or reply. If there's no msg, I don't worry. My mobile also has msg bank, same thing applies. I'm not comfortable talking on the phone, I much prefer face to face. My dad was similar, if the phone rang (no answer machine then) I've seen him walk past the phone and ignore it. I'm happier when my phone (landline and mobile) is silent, peaceful.

[quirkywords]

We get so many scammers and am lucky to have caller ID. If I don’t know the number Imkeave the call as I know a friend will leave a message.

i used to think telemarketers were bad till the scammers came.

For me the thought of having to make a call is sometimes worse than actually asking a call .

I used to dislike answering machines but now I often prefer to leave a message.

I also use voice text on what’s app to catch up with people.

i wonder if anyone finds mobile phones less scary or more scary than landlines.

Quirky .

[Guest_1055]

I see someone has re opened this thread. Hello.

Here is my update with phones. I still really don't answer phones when they ring. Unless it is my hubby. His name comes up on my mobile.

There has been a few times that telemarketers have rung and I have answered. No one else rings us on the landline. Don't think we really need this line anymore actually. The times it has been a telemarketing place, well I can never get of the phone, they appear so very controlling. Hate it. Feel like I am trapped.

I use other ways to communicate. Either texting, emails or Facebook messager. I have no fear with these.

[quirkywords]

Shelley Anne ,

i feel I can’t give up my landline , I am not sure why when I don’t like a sweri g or making calls.

I love text and voice messages.

I find my family get annoyed when I don’t answer but I have told I prefer to text and have my phone turned off.

I like caller ID so I can screen calls.

Quirky