Is the fear of talking on the phone part of socialphobia?

Question

I think I have socialphobia. (I say 'I think' because I haven't by officially diagnosed)
And I am terrified of talking on the phone. The only people who I can call are people in my immediate family.
Ordering a pizza by telephone is torture for me. It's really pathetic.
And it's hindering my social life. I can't make plans with friends or respond to people's calls. It's becoming a serious problem.

I want to get treatment, but I need to know; Is this phobia part of socialphobia or something seperate?

(Don't make fun of me, please.)

Answer 1

Yep, it can definitely be a part of social phobia.

You would need to have other symptoms, though as far as having anxiety about meeting new people, speaking in front of others, etc in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for social phobia. Also, you don't necessarily need to know that you definitely have a diagnosable mental illness before you get help; part of any mental health professional's job is doing a thorough assessment, which no one here on Y!A is able to do. The fact that you are having a problem that is interfering with your life is enough to justify getting help.


I'm sorry if people have made fun of you for this-that really sucks!

Answer 2

I think I understand. I HATE talking on the phone but I think it's more hate than fear. Pizza place, AOL people......even my family members like aunts and uncles. I rather speak with them in person. I don't know the answer to your question but if you really want to solve your problem, yes get treatment. There must be a reason why this is bothering you and those people will find out. Good luck!

Answer 3

i don't know if the fear of talking on the phone is a phobia
but i do know that it's real
i had the same problem for years
it was so bad for me that i couldn't speak if i picked up the phone
after years of shame and feeling stupid
i finally start telling my friends about my problem
they was so kind and understanding about it
they helped me so much
when they called me
they wouldn't wait for me to say hello---they would just start talking---that would make me laugh
and when i called them
if they didn't heard anything---they knew it was me---which also made me laugh

i finally told my doctor about my fear and he put me on zoloft
i feel so much better
please don't keep this a secret or feel shame
slowly learn to share your fears with your friends
and

you can call me anytime
i will understand
take care

Answer 4

Talking on the phone used to give me anxiety. So did driving a vehicle. It was symptoms of my panic disorder, because I had to focus on something outside my own body, I felt like i wasn't in control. Realizing that I wasn't in control of my body functions anyway, like heartrate and breathing, eventually led to a reduction in symptoms.

Answer 5

Eliminate Social Anxiety And Shyness - http://tinyurl.com/M9SG9eS99J