The next possible epidemic: Nomophobia, dread of no phones

It’s normal to develop a strong relationship to your cell phone. However, some people experience increased worry when they are unable to use their phones or the internet. It is an indication of nomophobia.

The term nomophobia is derived from the combination of the words NO-MObile-PHOBIA, and as can be understood from these words, it is defined in clinical psychology as the irrational fear experienced by individuals when they cannot access their mobile device or when they are not online.

The risk of addiction also increases in parallel with the increase in smartphone usage areas and therefore the “substance use and addiction disorders” diagnosis category is included in the version of DSM-6 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-6)

Nomophobia, which translates as “no more mobile phobia,” is the dread of being without one’s cell phone. According to a July study published in BMC Psychiatry, a person with nomophobia suffers anxiety when their mobile phone is not nearby.

Nomophobia symptoms are comparable to those of addiction or other anxiety disorders. They are as follows:

Agitation

Anxiety

Disorientation

Sweating

Breathing pattern changes

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

Nomophobia, which is frequently coupled with separation anxiety, has a distinct set of symptoms, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, shaking, discomfort, dread, and panic. Several investigations have found that nomophobia has a negative impact on cognitive performance. However, the medical world is still split on whether it should be classified as a phobia, anxiety condition, lifestyle problem, or addiction.

Causes and Consequences of Nomophobia

According to the study, teens are the most afflicted by nomophobia.

The fundamental cause of nomophobia is people’s increased dependency on mobile phones. “We’re attached to our phones for a variety of reasons,” Michele Leno, clinical psychologist and talk show presenter of Mind Matter with Dr Michele, told CNBC. They serve as little computers for us. We utilize them for commercial purposes. We utilize them to remain in touch with family. When we can’t utilize them right away, we get worried because we think we’re losing out on something. We have this idea that mobile phones allow us to be linked to everything all of the time.”

Certain persons, according to Blair Steel, a qualified clinical psychologist, are more prone to acquiring nomophobia. The following things enhance your chances of developing the condition:

1. Pre-existing Anxiety
2. Self-esteem issues
3. Difficulties in emotional control
4. Insecure Attachment styles
5. Personal relationships are lacking.

Nomophobia: How to Overcome Mobile -phones Addiction

Here are a few ideas from Leno and Steel to help you disconnect from your phone.

1. Allow yourself to relax while sleeping without using your phone.
2. Consider shutting off your phone for at least one hour every day.
3. When going to a neighbouring store, leave your phone at home.
4. Wear a watch to check the time instead than your phone.
5. To arrange important activities, use a real calendar or planner.
6. Find a new pastime and spend time away from your phone on purpose.
7. Be aware of the symptoms and triggers of nomophobia, and keep an eye on yourself.
8. To deal with anxiety, try attentive meditation and breathing exercises.
9. Consult a mental health professional in severe circumstances.

Nomophobia treatments include interpersonal counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, addiction therapy, and exposure therapy. Another component of treating nomophobia that is inherent is self-help and training patients on how to take control of their phone rather than having their phone dominate them. In China, digital detox camps are prevalent. Apps like ‘Hold’ also give incentives to reduce phone usage.

Various studies show that the average smartphone user unlocks their phone 150 times per day, whereas people laugh about 10 times per day. Around 85% of smartphone users check their device while speaking with friends and family; adults spend 45 minutes per day and 5.33 years of their lives on social media on average; users spend 2 hours, 51 minutes per day on their smartphones; an average user touches their phone 2,617 times per day; and, interestingly, more people have smartphones than toilets worldwide. Is nomophobia the new pandemic on the horizon, as technology continues to rule our lives?

Please, also have a look into : China wants children not to use smartphones for more than two hours a day