What is Telephobia?

What is Telephobia? By Louise Addison

Do you identify with this image?

I laughed when I first saw it. I would do almost ANYTHING to avoid speaking on the phone. For many people, ‘telephobia’, is real and is particularly common among those of us with social anxiety. Lots of people dislike speaking on the phone, but it’s a real problem if it causes us to delay important calls, affects our ability to work or causes physical symptoms such as nausea, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. Humans are social creatures so speaking on the phone is daunting because we’re denied all social cues: gestures, body language, and eye contact. We rely solely on the voice and this can make us hyperaware of our own voice and choice of words. Anxious people often rate texting as a superior form of communication. It allows time to think about responses, which takes the pressure off interactions. It also means we are not the sole focus of someone’s attention, which can feel unnerving, and pauses in the conversation can feel hostile and interminable. Speaking on the phone though is a skill, and like any skill we improve the more we do it. The more practice you have, the less anxious and more confident you’ll feel. Start by making a list of the people or organisations you need to call and articulate what it is about the call that provokes anxiety. Are you worried you’ll be judged, or you’ll stumble over your words and sound stupid? When you hang up, articulate what went well so you acknowledge your successes. If telephobia is interfering with your life or threatening your job then consider seeking cognitive behavioural therapy. This is a highly effective treatment for social anxiety. Don’t suffer in silence.