When a Call Causes Stress
Many people don’t like talking on the phone.
This fear can be disruptive to both your personal andprofessional lives, so taking it seriously is important.
Not all people who are afraid to use the phone have SAD.
Illustration by Jessica Olah, Verywell
Some people simply are more comfortable in direct social interactions where they can read non-verbal cues such asfacial expressions.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring involves challenging beliefs and replacing negative thoughts with more constructive alternatives.
Why would the person answer the phone if he was too busy?
Why would he have asked you to call if he didn’t want to talk to you?
Exposure Training
Exposure training involves the gradual practice of progressively more difficult behaviors .
Each behavior is practiced until you are comfortable and can move on to the next most difficult one.
Creating a hierarchy to deal with the fear of answering calls can be tricky.
If you typically avoid answering the phone, you might note who is calling before answering.
Then, start by answering calls from people you’re comfortable with; let other calls go to voicemail.
Eventually, you might progress to answering more difficult calls.
Coping Strategies
For the best possible outcome, practice cognitive-behavioral techniques under the supervision of atrained therapist.
The Takeaway
Phone anxiety is problematic, but these coping strategies can help.
They can offer effective treatment that helps you communicate and interact without fear.
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