c/anxiety·Posted by u/jade_c·1h ago

Why does my stomach drop the second an unexpected call comes through?

Unknown number, fine, I can ignore it. It's when a name I know lights up my phone in the afternoon and my stomach drops like I already heard bad news. Yesterday my mom called at 3:42pm while I was in the break room and I stared at the screen through two full rings before answering. She wanted a recipe. I still had to sit down after. I've started letting it go to voicemail and then calling back in two minutes, which feels rude and also like the only way I can get my face in order. Texts are easier. A ringing phone feels like an emergency until proven otherwise. I don't remember being like this five years ago. Did other people train themselves out of the stomach-drop, or do you just live with it?

Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.