Scared and anxious about phone calls?

Question

Earlier in the summer my brother passed away unexpectedly and I found out through a phone call. Now that I'm back at college (far from home) I'm nervous about everybody in my family being okay. I'm scared of this happening again.

So basically, every time my cell phone rings (especially during a class, if it's a number I don't recognize, if I get a voicemail, or late at night) I have a panic attack (yes, I have medication that I sometimes use to help this -- propranolol). I feel physically nauseous and shaky until I find out what the phone call is about. I never really used to get this way before the death.

I have a psychiatrist, but he's kind of scatterbrained and senile, so I most likely won't go to him to talk. I am definitely trying to find someone local here at school... in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

The phone phobia is only a symptom. The underlying root cause is your grief and fear. See if you can find a bereavement support group to attend. They probably have more to offer in the way of practical coping tips than your well-meaning psychiatrist. I had the same kind of feelings after the death of my teenage daughter, and I can assure you that it does wear off eventually.

Answer 2

I am so sorry for your lose.

Same thing happened to me.  I am still kinda afraid to answer the phone if there is a number I do not recognize.  However, it does get better with time.  Time heals all wounds.  Something traumatic has happened to you and it will take time to accept and deal with it.    I used to freak when the phone ran in general.  Now Im a little better.  Hang in there.  Things WILL get better.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

i would tell ppl to call u alot during the day.

ik ur like what the h**l werent u listening?!

but only ghet ppl u like, and so u will get used to it.

and maybe change ur number so only ppl u want to here from have it.

so only good things could come from the phone calls

:)

goodluck!