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The Very Real World Of Texting Anxiety

Today, I wanted to address a semi-new issue to the world of anxiety; texting anxiety. For those with social anxiety, texting can sometimes provide an escape from face-to-face contact and can make it easier to communicate for almost anyone. But sometimes, the social constructs and expectations behind texting cannot only create more anxiety for those who deal with it on a day-to-day basis, but can also cause anxiety and worry for anyone.

For example, imagine you're texting your crush, or maybe an important business collegue and you're awaiting a reply after sending a "risky" text to them. One of the many "unspoken rules" behind texting is to not immediately reply back. But waiting on that reply can cause so much anxiety and worry because we often set expectations or try to predict the response we are going to get.

While this is a normal response for most people, for an anxious or nervous person these thoughts can really escalate and cause your mind to think of worst case scenarios for days.

I really struggle with this problem personally. However, I have some advice and lessons I've learned to help deal with these thoughts.

1. If it can be communicated in person or over the phone, DO IT.

While it may be hard to have face to face conversations sometimes with anxiety, you can get a direct and immediate response from the person and can guage their emotions through face-to-face communication.

2. Do not overanalyze every text.

This is the biggest lesson I've had to learn as someone with a racing mind. Trying to analyze the tone and deeper meaning behind every message will get you no where. It can only lead to more worry and anxiety. We sometimes tend to overthink texts and this is especially true for those with anxiety. Texting as a form of communication is imperfect because gestures and tones do not exist when the communication is just written words.

3. If you are confused just ask!

If you do get a text that confuses you or you do not understand the context or tone behind someones message, it can literally hurt no one to ask. Ultimately better communication=less confusion, which for those with anxiety means less worry!


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