Where does the fear of talking on the phone come from?

We live in a globalized era in which remote communications are becoming simpler and more frequent. Electronic devices allow us to be in constant contact and facilitate our social and work lives. However, for some people this possibility becomes a nightmare: their fear of talking on the phone is so paralyzing that it leads them to miss opportunities. But what is the reason for this fear?

There are many people who suffer from it and are forced to invent thousands of excuses for their refusal to use this device. Well, generally, they only encounter incomprehension and blame from others.

The fear of talking on the phone It may come from a specific phobia (telephonophobia). But it is often a little-known manifestation of social phobia.

Manifestations of social phobia

Social phobia is characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of social situations in which the individual may be evaluated.. They are avoided at all costs or endured at the cost of high discomfort.

Fortunately, this disorder is increasingly known and the difficulties of those who suffer from it in relating to others are understood. However, it also presents certain manifestations that are not so obvious.

It’s not just the fear of speaking in front of an audience or interacting with strangers. The social phobic can suffer anxiety in a multitude of situations, such as eating in public, driving or talking on the phone.. However, these are often not associated with the phobia and, therefore, their origin or how to address them is not understood.

The fear of talking on the phone

In essence, there are three characteristics that turn telephone calls into an anxiety-producing element:

They are intrusive: Calls generally come in unexpectedly and without prior notice. They require the person to stop what they are doing and respond to the telephone complaint, despite not being prepared. This obligation to always be reachable and available can generate anxiety.They demand a quick response: Unlike text messages, calls do not offer time to think and develop a response. Immediate decisions and actions are required. And, in a certain way, control over the responses is lost because all the energy is focused on responding with the required speed.They involve an evaluation: just as happens in face-to-face conversations, telephone conversations expose the speaker to the evaluation of his interlocutor. With the added difficulty that, in this case, the non-verbal elements of communication are not available.

The telephone and social phobia

Thus, when talking on the phone, the social phobic presents all the characteristic symptoms of the disorder:

Anticipatory anxiety: When the person knows that they will have to make or receive a call in the future, they begin to suffer from anxiety from that moment. Physical discomfort and cognitive distortions come together, making Suffering begins long before the feared situation occurs.Avoidance and discomfort: When the phobic is the one who has to call, they often postpone this action as long as possible. And, when is the receiver will use all kinds of excuses and apologies to not answer the phone. If he is finally forced to have the conversation, he will experience intense discomfort and a great fear of evaluation. And he will try to cut off contact as soon as possible.Rumination later: After finishing the conversation, it is common for the person to embark on a process of judgment and self-criticism.. Remembering the call and berating himself for his bad actions. In this way, a vicious cycle of thinking begins that only increases and prolongs the discomfort.

Definitely, The fear of talking on the phone is just another manifestation of the same disorder. However, its consequences are important, and can lead the person to lose valuable opportunities: from being unable to make a medical appointment to neglecting emotional relationships or giving up job opportunities.

In a society where the telephone and communications have so much presence and relevance, this fear can generate great interference in a person’s life. Thus It is advisable to carry out a psychotherapy process that provides us with the tools to overcome fear.

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