Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Phone Anxiety

ljk2016
ljk2016
Hello,

Does anyone else get anxiety from having to make phone calls to other people? I'm not that anxious when other people call me, but when I'm the one initiating the call I get really nervous and forget what I want to say and have trouble talking.

If you do have these same issues can you please tell me what you do to overcome them?

Thanks!
girlhaunted
girlhaunted
I totally understand, I have terrible phone anxiety. I can't even call family members and even when my best friend calls I have to take a deep breath and make myself answer. The only thing I can say that helped me when I had to speak to someone from my college about something was having someone with me. I had the phone on speaker and my dad sat with me. It felt more comfortable that someone you are with and can speak to is in this moment with you and is ready to help if you choke up or don't really know how to answer. I also had the same problem with ordering food, like at a fast food place. When I have someone with me, I order for both of us like it's no big deal... So I'd say, if it's possible, have someone with you while you have the call on speaker phone, and then gradually over a few calls have them get further from you, like go into a different room. When you're comfortable with that, just have them with you while you're on the phone without the call on speaker, and then have them again work themselves away from you until you can do it yourself. It's what I'm trying, at least. I know how odd and horrible it is to have this problem.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
As a hearing impaired individual, my jaw dropped when I read this.

I never realized it could be a problem for someone with anxiety, and so I will share what I do.

I write down the questions I have for the reason I'm calling this person. I keep the questions simple. I look at the question to stay calm and focused as needed.

I also have someone nearby to help with the clarity (since I can not always hear what is said on the telephone), and again, keeping your calm and focus up front will help you be able to breathe normally while on the telephone.

I hope this helps. Best wishes.
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