When you have anxiety from speaking on the phone because of symptoms of phone phobia, it’s difficult to get your intent and feelings conveyed to other individuals. Some of the symptoms are avoidence, being judged and self negative thoughts. Phone phobia has caused me to be a recluse. By the same token, I quit answering my phone. I know, that’s not the way to deal with the phobia. It’s just a quick solution to what seems like a never ending problem. And, I only make it a problem because of the anxiety. In general, I get the most anxiety when I have to make a call. Some of these symptoms of this illness anxiety disorder hit home. I practice them everyday. Now, If I would just practice the solutions to this phobia. I’m hoping for it in the near future. One phobia at a time!
Symptoms Of Phone Phobia
Phone phobia, one of the common phobias, is a type of social anxiety disorder that involves an intense fear or anxiety related to making or receiving phone calls. People with phone phobia may avoid making or receiving phone calls, or experience significant anxiety when they are required to use the phone.
Some common symptoms of phone phobia may include:
- Feeling extreme anxiety or panic when making or receiving phone calls
- Avoiding making or receiving phone calls altogether
- Worrying excessively about making mistakes or sounding foolish on the phone
- Feeling self-conscious or judged by others on the phone
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information during phone calls
- Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, or nausea
- Negative thoughts or beliefs about oneself related to phone use
Treatment for phone phobia may involve therapy, medication, or self-help strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating social anxiety disorder, and may involve exposure therapy to help desensitize a person to phone anxiety. Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed in some cases. Additionally, self-help strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring techniques may also be helpful in managing phone phobia.
Dehydration and Anxiety
Anxiety can potentially cause dehydration, particularly if the person is experiencing physical symptoms such as sweating or vomiting. Additionally, anxiety can also cause digestive disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting, that can further contribute to dehydration. In some cases, anxiety can also cause a person to feel too anxious to drink enough fluids, which can contribute to the development of dehydration.
Dehydration can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dark yellow urine
- Dry and cool skin
- Headache
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Fatigue and weakness
Heart Anxiety
Research has shown that chronic anxiety may increase the risk of heart disease, as it can lead to the development of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased inflammation in the body. Additionally, anxiety-related behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity can further contribute to heart disease risk. I hit the nail on the head in all 3 categories. I have elevated blood pressure, developed high cholesterol and have increased inflammation. I’m taking 2 different meds for high BP and in June, I was put on a cholesterol med. Also, the aches and pains are there everyday.
Colds Hands Anxiety
Cold and clammy hands are common physical symptoms of anxiety. When a person is anxious or stressed, their body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, which leads to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This response can cause blood vessels in the hands to constrict, reducing blood flow and causing the hands to feel cold and clammy. At first, my feet get cold and then the hands follow. Now I know why. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can also be helpful in alleviating anxiety-related cold hands.
Tension In Neck and Shoulders From Anxiety
When a person is anxious, their body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, and the muscles throughout the body can become tense and strained.
Tension in the neck and shoulders can be caused by a number of factors related to anxiety, such as:
- Holding the body in a tense position for long periods of time
- Tightening of muscles due to fear or anxiety
- Increased blood flow to the muscles due to adrenaline
- Reduced circulation due to shallow or rapid breathing
Rapid Heartbeat
To activate a person’s body fight-or-flight response, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline when anxiety sets in. These hormones can cause physical symptoms such as a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
The medical term for a rapid heartbeat is tachycardia. During an anxiety attack, a person’s heart rate may increase to over 100 beats per minute. This can cause a feeling of palpitations or fluttering in the chest. In some cases, a rapid heartbeat can also cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Sweating Due To Anxiety
Sweating is a common symptom due to anxiety. When a person experiences anxiety, their fight-or-flight response is activated and the body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones. This can cause physical symptoms such as sweating from phone phobia.
Sweating is a natural bodily response to regulate body temperature. However, when a person is anxious, they may sweat excessively and in unexpected situations, such as while sitting at a desk or watching television. This excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can be embarrassing and interfere with daily activities.
Conclusion
There is a lot of anxious distress going on in the body (physically and emotionally) from symptoms of phone phobia. Subsequently, when I do talk on the phone, most of the time I feel like I’m going to say something that is stupid. When I do speak, you can hear it in my voice that I’m anxious. I feel my heart beating right out of my chest. I can’t breath, so I feel like I’m going to pass out. Most of the time, it’s over within a couple of minutes. This is why I avoid the phone. I know that I’m isolating myself from everything to protect against the anxiety, yet…I weigh the pros and cons against this. I can deal with isolation, I can’t deal with the anxiety. A lot of circumstances I am going to work on…one day at a time.
Articles
-How To Overcome Phone Anxiety
-What Is Phone Anxiety?
https://www.verywellmind.com/afraid-making-phone-calls-tips-3024317
-Gen Z Developing Phone Phobia
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable
“You’re Never Alone!”
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