Almost anyone you come across today will tell you that they prefer texting over talking on the phone. Even you might feel the same way. But if the prospect of a phone call has your anxiety revved up, then it’s possible you’ve got telephobia.
When Speaking on the Phone Fills You With Dread
Telephobia, otherwise known as the fear of making or receiving phone calls, is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue with each generation. And unfortunately for those of us who suffer from it, this form of communication is an all-too-common feature of working life, as evidenced by Healthcare Provider Ms Shen* (Name changed for privacy).
“In my work as a pharmacist, we have to make phone calls often to doctors to clarify questions on a patient’s medication, or perform interventions to suggest alternate medication or dosing instructions that are more suitable for the patient,” recalls the 29-year-old.
“I remember feeling incredibly anxious before every call, especially when speaking with more senior doctors.”
Interestingly, the problem isn’t necessarily with speaking to someone – it’s the fact that we’re speaking to someone over the phone.
“There’s no way to gauge reactions like you can in person, or have the time to ruminate about my response through text,” she explains.
“Awkward silences or feeling rushed to reply also make me nervous – I worry about saying the wrong thing or coming across as awkward and unprofessional.”
And this is perhaps the reason why phone calls are so daunting – it can feel like we’re having to perform to an invisible audience. Our responses need to somehow be both fast and sensible, yet we get none of the visual cues we would typically have from engaging with someone face-to-face for additional feedback.
The resulting pressure to keep up a good impression to a disembodied voice can increase tension and stress.
Does Telephobia = Social Anxiety Disorder?
If the stress response feels similar to that of social anxiety disorder (SAD), that’s because telephobia can be indicative of it. After all, both cases refer to the extreme distress someone feels in the face of a social interaction due to a fear of judgement.
However, note that the degree to which individuals feel telephobia is different. Not everyone with this fear struggles with SAD. For many, telephobia is just an offshoot of social phobias that are, thankfully, limited to phone calls.
Nevertheless, having telephobia can result in intense behaviours towards phone calls, such as the need to avoid them as much as possible, or excessive worrying over the conversation. The physical symptoms make your concerns even harder to ignore; sweating, shaking, and feeling your heart race and your mind go empty over something seemingly simple can be extremely discomforting.
It can even lead to rather unusual responses, as some netizens share:
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Avoidance behaviours that are a consequence of having telephobia can lead to missed career opportunities and unnecessary mental turmoil, with research showing how it can make work increasingly challenging.
In more severe cases, it can go as far as compromising your relationships, and increasing your sense of isolation.
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The way telephobia can spread out to our everyday life can’t be denied.
“When it comes to phone calls for mundane things like booking an appointment for a haircut or enquiring about a restaurant reservation, the anxiety is very irrational. I guess I’m worried that they’ll ask something I’m unprepared for, or if I stumble over my own words,” muses Ms Shen.
“It would be much less stressful if it’s a text exchange – or better yet, a bot that automatically schedules my required appointments.”
Using Your Phone for Anything but Calls
The rise of technology has made it easier for people to communicate with others – without even speaking to them.
Therein lies the irony: what was meant to connect us, has just made it easier for us to avoid each other.
For many, tools like food-ordering apps and digital communication platforms serve as more than just a convenience – it’s a way to circumvent the anxiety-inducing action of talking on the phone.

“Texting gives me time to think and craft a clear response without the pressure of being ‘on the spot’. It allows me to review my message and ensure it’s clear and polite, especially if I’m communicating with someone senior or a client,” elaborates Ms Shen.
“Sometimes, I’ll even ask a colleague for their input to make sure the tone is just right.”
The level of control allowed by written forms of digital communication cannot be imitated in phone calls, which adds to its appeal.
As we continue generating alternative, less intimidating ways to interact with each other, it paves the way for us to become more prone to feeling less familiar, and thus more anxious, with phone calls.
It’s Time to Overcome YOur Fear
While it may seem silly to admit to a fear of phone calls, it is true that having this phobia can impact our quality of life.
“When you’re feeling not okay, allow yourself to feel that way, because whatever you are feeling and whatever you are going through – all of them are valid,” assures Dr Rizal Michael Abello, an Occupational Health Physician.
“The earlier you recognise them, the better for your health.” he advices.
If you feel that telephobia is taking up too much mental territory, then it’s a sign for you to find ways to manage it.
This includes:
- Planning for the conversation through research and notes, and even rehearsing a script.
- Getting familiar with phone conversations by regularly calling someone you trust.
- Rewarding yourself after a phone call, such as by indulging in a treat.
- Consulting a mental health professional if you find that telephobia has a big hold on your mental wellbeing.
Remember, communication is a two-way street, and the person on the other end of the line could be feeling just as nervous as you!
So the next time you’re anticipating a call, just take deep breaths, visualise a positive outcome, and open yourself up to a world of connection and possibility.