Mobile phones have become an important part of our daily lives. From phone calls to payments, we all remain connected to mobile phones. But have you become so dependent on your mobile that you are unable to stay away from it even for a while? Do you feel anxious when there is no mobile phone connectivity? If yes, then be careful, it may be a sign of a problem called nomophobia.
Nomophobia is known to be a mental health disorder. Nomophobia- No mobile phone phobia occurs when a person starts experiencing fear or anxiety due to no mobile phone connectivity. There may also be excitement, changes in breathing, and other symptoms. The condition of nomophobia is considered to affect your thinking and the way you deal with situations.
No mobile phone phobia problem
Staying connected to mobile phones has become a necessity for all of us, but if you get worried even if you stay away from it for some time, then you need to be careful. A 2019 article in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care noted that several possible psychological conditions, such as anxiety and stress, may occur before a person develops nomophobia. Researchers said that this problem has increased a lot since the advent of smartphones.
How to know if you too have this disorder?
Health experts say that apart from anxiety and stress, nomophobia causes many other problems that should be given serious attention. Due to being away from the phone for even a short time, problems like body tremors, sweating and nervousness start occurring. In some situations, there may also be a problem of tachycardia- irregularity in heartbeats. The problem of nomophobia can also be considered more or less similar to that seen in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients.
What is the reason for this phobia?
Many studies have been conducted to understand the reasons behind the panic-anxiety situation that occurs when away from mobile phones. In a review of studies in the year 2020, the team of scientists explained some possible reasons for this. Experts say smartphone-related compulsion can be a reason giving rise to this disorder. Apart from this, there is interpersonal sensitivity in which the person is not able to share his thoughts with others.
What to do if you notice symptoms of nomophobia?
Since nomophobia is not officially a mental disorder, there is currently no treatment for it. However, some types of therapy and counseling can help overcome the phobia and improve symptoms. If a person shows symptoms of this disorder, then take him to a psychiatrist. Symptoms can be improved with the help of measures like cognitive behavioral therapy.
(PC: ISTOCK)
