What Is Phone Anxiety?

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC and Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC
Updated October 10, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Whether expected or out of the blue, phone calls can be a major source of anxiety. Maybe you find it awkward to talk to a stranger, or perhaps you worry about saying the wrong thing and being judged. Phone anxiety can range from mild discomfort to intense fear and can impact both your personal and professional life. 

Here, we’ll explore what phone anxiety is, why it happens, and how to overcome it. With a deeper understanding of this common trigger, you’ll be equipped to make phone calls with confidence.

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Is phone anxiety getting in the way of your daily life?

What is phone anxiety?

While not a recognized mental health condition, phone anxiety—sometimes referred to as telephobia—describes a fear or intense discomfort when making or receiving phone calls. Phone anxiety can make you feel nervous, worried, or self-conscious, and might stem from any number of underlying triggers.

Phone anxiety and social anxiety disorder

When phone anxiety is severe, it could be a manifestation of social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD is a common mental health condition that involves an intense and persistent fear of social interaction. It can extend to all areas of your life, including over-the-phone interactions.

Why does fear over a phone call occur?

Phone conversations can trigger anxiety for a number of reasons. For one, they often catch us off guard, putting us in a situation where we have to spontaneously respond to another person. Important conversations can be especially nerve-wracking to have via phone—without the benefit of body language, we may find it hard to read the other person. 

Phone conversations also strip away the situational factors that can make a conversation intimate, impactful, or immersive. You may feel the need to pace around, find a quiet spot, or head outside to take the phone call, lending a sense of urgency. 

Some may struggle with certain types of phone calls simply because they don’t have as much experience talking to people on the phone. A young person who primarily do video calls with friends and family, for instance, may not be as comfortable on a phone call for business purposes.

How common is phone anxiety?

Though not extensively researched, phone anxiety is thought to be relatively common. A 2019 survey of UK office workers by telephone answering service Face for Business found 62% of office-based employees reported call-related nervousness

In many cases, these fears may be related to social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, which is estimated to affect approximately 7.4% of U.S. adults and 17% of youth

Diagnosing phone anxiety

While phone anxiety may not be a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it can be managed in a similar way to other types of anxiety, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and repeated exposure.

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How can I overcome my social stress over phone communication?

If you’re experiencing some of the common symptoms of phone anxiety, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Because this issue can be so widespread, therapists have developed several tips to help you overcome these symptoms. 

  1. To address your phone anxiety, prepare yourself for the call

If you’re making or expecting a phone call, it can help to prepare yourself with notes, documents, or other materials that you might need to reference during the conversation. Get set up in a quiet, distraction-free area where you can devote your full attention to the conversation. It can also help to take a few deep breaths and give yourself some positive, reassuring thoughts. 

  1. Humanize the other person so that you are not nervous over the phone call

Like other forms of social anxiety, phone anxiety can stem from worry about how we’ll be perceived by others. However, it’s not typically the case that the person on the other end of the call is forming a critical assessment of you—in fact, it might help to assume that they’re kind, forgiving, and open-minded. By humanizing them, you may feel less pressured by the interaction.

  1. Learn phone etiquette and basic communication skills

If you feel uncomfortable talking on the phone, you might feel more confident by brushing up on some basic phone etiquette. Simple practices such as greeting the caller politely, speaking clearly, and listening attentively can make a big difference in how the conversation flows.

For professional phone calls, it can help to prepare a few key points or questions beforehand to help you stay on track and feel more in control during the call.

  1. Take a deep breath

Deep breathing is a tried-and-true method for downregulating the body’s stress response and regaining control during an anxious moment. While you may not have time to engage in a deep breathing exercise, even a long, deep breath may be enough to center you quickly during a phone call. 

  1. Ask for a moment to get ready so you do not experience social stress

If you receive an unexpected call, you always have the option of asking the other person for a quick moment to prepare for the conversation.

This could mean finding a quiet place to talk, taking a moment to breathe and ready yourself, or gathering any documentation you might need to reference. The other person might even appreciate your efforts to devote your full attention to the conversation, and you’ll likely feel more confident when that moment is up.

  1. Remain focused on the phone call

When you’re not speaking face-to-face, it’s easy to become distracted or lose track of the conversation, so it’s advisable to remain mindful of where your attention is throughout the call. It may help to take notes, ask clarifying questions, or offer verbal feedback to better engage with the conversation. If your mind wanders, you might ask them to repeat themselves so you can re-engage.

  1. Call back later if you are dealing with call anxiety 

If you receive a call at an inopportune time, you might politely ask if you can call them back later. People tend to be understanding that an unexpected call can be an intrusion, and it’s often considered good phone etiquette to return a call when you’re prepared rather than taking it when you’re not ready. You may feel less anxious if you call back after you’ve had time to gather yourself.

  1. Be mindful of the other person

Because phone anxiety often stems from a fear of being judged, one of the most effective ways to navigate a call is to be warm, engaged, and mindful of the other person’s time and needs. In doing so, you’ll create positive rapport and feel confident about your ability to create a positive impression. 

Try to keep the purpose of the call at the center of your mind, avoiding prolonging the conversation unnecessarily. By staying focused and concise, you not only respect the other person's time but also reduce opportunities for anxiety to build up during the call.

  1. Practice overcoming your fear

With continued practice, you’ll likely find that phone calls become less intimidating. In fact, certain approaches to anxiety treatment—namely exposure therapy—work by gradually increasing exposure to the feared situation. 

To help you move past phone anxiety, you could, for instance, book appointments over the phone rather than online, or call to speak with customer service representatives rather than communicating via email. With more experience, you’ll soon begin to feel more confident in your phone interactions.

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Is phone anxiety getting in the way of your daily life?

Facing your fear in therapy

If your phone anxiety is related to social anxiety, it may be worth connecting with a therapist. In therapy, you’ll explore any underlying issues that may be contributing to your difficulties, plus learn coping strategies and social skills that might help you build confidence. If you’re looking for a flexible, convenient, affordable option, consider online therapy through BetterHelp. 

Learn social and communication skills in online therapy

BetterHelp makes it easy to connect with licensed mental health professionals whose credentials and clinical experience match your therapy goals. In weekly phone, video, or chat sessions, your therapist can help you work through your social anxiety and develop actionable strategies for improving your social skills and coping with anxious moments.

Online therapy is known to be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating social anxiety, and with additional tools and features like group sessions, digital therapy worksheets, educational webinars, and guided journaling, you can make progress faster and get the most out of your mental health investment.

Takeaway

Phone calls are a necessary part of day-to-day business, professional communication, and even personal interactions. However, they can also be awkward or even nerve-wracking. You can manage phone anxiety by preparing yourself for the conversation, asking for a brief moment to do so, and remaining focused, engaged, and mindful of the other person. Remember that the other person likely isn’t judging or critiquing you harshly. To overcome phone anxiety, try to get as much practice as you can. If your phone anxiety is part of a broader pattern of social anxiety, it may be worth connecting with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp. 

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