Sunil Chadha
DHARAMSHALA
If the mere sound of a phone ringing makes your heart race, palms sweat and mind freeze, it may not be simple nervousness or dislike for talking. Mental health experts warn that such reactions can indicate telephobia, a lesser-known but growing anxiety condition linked specifically to phone calls.
Telephobia, also called phone anxiety, goes beyond mild hesitation. People affected by it feel intense mental stress at the thought of making or receiving calls and often avoid them altogether. Over time, this fear can quietly damage work performance, social connections and personal relationships.
When a phone call feels like a threat
For many sufferers, anxiety begins even before the call is answered. Heartbeat increases, negative thoughts rush in and the fear of saying something wrong takes over. Text messages feel safer because they allow time to think and avoid instant responses. Unlike normal shyness, this fear does not fade after a moment, but it pushes the person to keep postponing calls.
Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
Doctors say telephobia often shows itself through physical and emotional symptoms. These include panic as soon as the phone rings, rising stress on seeing an incoming call, sweating or trembling before dialing and repeatedly ignoring missed calls. Many people also report feeling mentally exhausted after a call, even if the conversation was brief.
Why telephobia is becoming more common
Experts link the rise of telephobia to social anxiety, low confidence and past negative call experiences. The pressure to reply instantly on calls, combined with the absence of facial cues, adds to discomfort. The Covid period further worsened the issue as conversations turned fully digital and real-life social practice declined. Specialists advise taking the condition seriously if it begins to disrupt daily life and seeking professional help when avoidance starts affecting work or relationships.
