"Hello..?" - Speaking on the Phone

Even calling your friends might be really hard for those having anxiety. Let alone dealing with more official business. What it is, exactly, that makes us so afraid of speaking on the phone?

Dakota Blue Richards as Franky on Skins.

I have a fear of sounding stupid. I'm afraid that my anxiety takes control and I don't know what to say and end up sounding dumb. When it comes to friends, I'm afraid that I'll somehow disturb them.  
Are they annoyed that I'm calling? 
Maybe they don't want to hear from me.

These fears are completely irrational. (As are most fears your anxiety-fueled mind will come up with.)

What can I do? I know these fears aren't realistic but they still disturb me.

I can start calling people. (And I mean other than my parents.)
Sometimes when I'm about to text my friends, I can call them instead.

Also when I have to call someplace (like book a doctor's appointment or something) and anxiousness starts to arise, I can face it instead of running away from it. When I postpone calling and find excuses like "I must clean this place up, I will call later.", I'm making calling bigger of a deal than it is.  And it keeps getting harder and harder.

Is this going to be a challenge? Yes. Do I feel anxious just thinking about it? Yes.

But just realizing the problem and deciding to do something about it, is an important step forward. Give yourself some credit. (Something which I'm also struggling with.)

Here's to speaking on the phone without feeling self-conscious!