Nomophobia: You could have this addiction without knowing it

Many people may not like the idea of being without their mobile phones for a long period of time, but for some, the thought alone is enough to make them anxious and panic. The second group of people could be suffering from a condition known as nomophobia.

What is nomophobia?

It is short for ‘No Mobile Phone Phobia’ and describes the extreme fear and anxiety about not having your phone or being unable to use it due to connectivity issues. This fear can be so persistent and intense that it affects daily life. Nomophobia can be linked to other types of anxiety disorders, such as social phobia.

A 2019 research showed that in 2008, almost 53 percent of British people with phones felt anxious when they did not have them, had a dead battery or no service. More than a decade later, more studies suggest the condition is widespread.

Experts are yet t determine if the disorder stems from an existing disorder or from a cell phone addiction.

Symptoms

Nomophobia is currently not recognized as an actual disorder, but many experts in the field agree it is a growing concern. It presents like other phobias and anxiety disorders and could result in the following:

• Feeling anxious and agitated if you have to put your phone away for a while
• Deep worry, fear or panic at the mere thought of not having your phone or being able to use it
• Extreme panic result in tightness in chest and a change in breathing when you cannot find your phone
• Irritation and stress when you are unable to check your phone

All these could also have physical manifestations such as trembling or shaking, increased sweating, feeling faint, dizzy or disoriented and rapid heartbeat.

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Treatment

As it is not a scientifically recognized phobia, there are no treatments for it, but a doctor or psychologist can recommend therapy to manage symptoms of nomophobia. These may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: It helps you learn to manage and confront the underlying thoughts driving your fear of being without your phone or unable to use it.
• Exposure Therapy: With this method, you will learn to face your fear tough gradual exposure to it. In this case, you will learn to manage the fear and use your phone in healthier ways.

In some instances, healthcare professionals may prescribe medication to deal with the anxiety. They may also suggest joining support groups and practising self-care.