My Fear about Phone Calls

Right now, I have to call the Mental Health Association to ask about housing. This would be the ideal situation and housing for me right now and hopefully they could be faster than section 8, but I'm not sure if children are also allowed to live there. I'm really scared to pick up the phone. It's only calling people I don't know very well, even friends I've lost contact with. I don't know why. I can't even call for a pizza. I'd rather make a pizza myself, than order one. I don't know when and where I developed this phobia and why. My mom is very aware of my phobia, but she told me I have to do this myself, because they would ask her why is she calling for her 22 year old adult daughter. I know she's right. I'm still nervous. My heart is still racing. I mean, I know the phone can't hurt me, and neither can the voice on the other side. They might even be closed now. I keep waiting later and later, because I'm scared. I told my mom I would call around today. I need housing fast. I may soon be on the street.

Shadow - the MH Association would probably NOT question why your mother [or a friend/associate] was calling, but you might have to stand by to answer questions. This would be easier than calling all by yourself. I understand your fear, and the MH Association understands anxiety, phobias, fears, and disabilities. You can have help initiating your call and then answer any questions from there. It should be much easier! billieJ

Sometimes that phone feels like weighs 400 lbs. doesn't it? I hope you can work through this. I would find anyway I could to make that call...they may have a waiting list. Good luck with this!

Well, I actually got the courage to call. The office hours are 8 am to 5 pm, so I was too late to call. But at least I got passed the dialing. Hopefully, I'll be able to call tomorrow easier. My mom did used to call for me and whenever I am with her, she does make the phone call and then hands it to me so I can answer questions. But now, she lives in another state, so she can't really do that for me. I know the MH Association will understand. Thank you for your support.

Yes, the phone does feel so heavy at times. I'm sure they probably do have a waiting list, but it usually takes about 6 months with Section 8 and I can't waiting that long. I've been trying to get Section 8 housing for 10-11 months now. I'm hoping the MH Association could help me faster. Anyway, I read that they have therapists near by their apartment complexes and people that help you learn to live independently and function in society. Going into this kind of housing would be much better than going straight into Section 8 housing with no one around to ease my transition into my own place that will be under my name, having to pay all my own bills, and having to get a job almost immediately without working through my extreme fear of leaving my son with anyone else but me, and my other debilitating mental health issues.

Good luck, AShadow. You can do this. Good luck.