A new wartime phobia: the fear of being left without a phone
During the war, communication is one of the most important benefits. It is important to be in touch with relatives, with colleagues, with the authorities. When the connection is lost or the phone is discharged, panic sets in, even if the person is already safe.
Psychologist Eva Chepil spoke on the TG channel "Psychological support" about the main symptoms and ways to overcome addiction.
Imagine: the smartphone is discharged, but there was no charger nearby; forgot phone at home; got into the zone without communication and the usual functions of the device are not available.
What will you feel then? Discomfort? Anxiety? Maybe stress?
If you answered “yes”, you probably have nomophobia - the fear of being left without a phone or without being able to use it.
Scientists state: nomophobia is becoming more common, even regardless of military action. Regardless of age, 20 to 50% of people tend to experience anxiety and tension if a mobile phone is not available because there is no connection or it is dead.
The main symptoms of nomophobia:
🌀 Anxiety, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, agitation, disorientation or tachycardia in conditions where the connection is not available or it is impossible to use the phone.
🌀You take your smartphone with you to bed, bathroom, even shower, so as not to miss something.
🌀Check your battery level and notifications several times an hour to make sure it's working and you haven't missed anything.
🌀Spend a lot of time on your phone screen without obvious need.
🌀 Constantly trying to make sure that the smartphone is in sight if it is not in your hand or pocket.
🌀 Feel helpless without your device.
🌀Keep your charger always at hand to avoid the distress associated with a dead smartphone.
Frequent use of the phone and anxiety in its absence does not mean that you have nomophobia. But seeing a mental health expert can be helpful if these symptoms:
🔸 continue in time
🔸 occur frequently and intensely
interfere with your work and relationships
🔸 do not let you sleep
🔸 create problems in daily activities
have a negative impact on your health and quality of life
How can you help yourself use your smartphone less?
Try the following:
✅Put the gadget away far enough so that you cannot use it in the evening or at night.
✅ If necessary, turn off the device - it should not interfere with your rest, study or work.
✅Leave your phone at home for short periods of time, such as when going to the store or for a walk.
✅Spend time without technology: sit in silence, write a letter, go for a walk, spend time with friends, take a trip to new places.
✅Try to find a balance between the time spent on the phone and other things.
Try to interact with real people more often : a small dialogue with a seller, trainer or hairdresser seems to be nothing important, but for us, as social beings, in order to feel good, it is extremely important to communicate all the same not on the phone.