Nomophobia means ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’. It’s the fear of being without your mobile. The term itself was invented in 2010, by YouGov, a UK-based research organization. It is prevalent among teenagers and young people who never switch off their phones and want to be contactable at all times. YouGov found that 53% of UK men and 47% of women were nomophobic.
Similar research in the USA found that 65% of people sleep with their phones (the percentage is higher among college students) and 34% of respondents had answered the phone while being intimate with a partner.
Everyone wants to feel connected. Nowadays the internet and access to Wi-Fi or a network wherever we go, means that we can always be in touch with people. We simple become addicted to this, and in an insecure world, being connected means receiving approval from others. We like to feel approved of.
While we are being a little light hearted here, you should be aware that nomophobia can actually be very serious. If your addiction to your phone has persisted over a long period of time and is affecting your health – perhaps your ability to sleep, or your everyday life – you communicate better with friends via your mobile than face to face for example, then it really is time to wean yourself off it or seek professional help.
Depending on the severity of your nomophobia you may be able to access a variety of treatments. Exposure therapy for example, involves a therapist slowly exposing a person to the idea of being without their phone. This is then extended to being without the phone in reality for short periods of time, and building this up.
A cognitive behavioural therapist might work on overcoming the fear of being disconnected or without your mobile, while other specialists might recommend relaxation techniques to deal with your emotional and physical symptoms.
Created by Tom Vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.
Do you sometimes despair about humanity because it seems there are far more bad people than good? Are we primarily selfish individuals, thinking only about our own needs? Or is this cynical belief just because we spend so much time online? The truth is more complicated!
10 Tips to get the best out of every day
When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!
How to beat irrational anxieties
Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.
How can I help my child achieve their dreams?
Children's imaginations know no limits and their dreams are a mix of hopes and fantasies, the real and the magical, the impossible and the achievable.
Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.
Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself
It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.
Is your sex life putting your relationship at risk?
Sexual desire is a complex interaction of hormones, emotions and well-being. When your partner is not as interested in sex as you are, it’s rarely a rejection of you as a person. So it’s essential to be as empathetic as you can regarding your differing libidos.
Live Forever: the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life
Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.
Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.
Being happy is something everybody strives for, but unfortunately there are a lot of people who go through life unhappily. A lot of people take life how it is.
Nomophobia means ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’. It’s the fear of being without your mobile. The term itself was invented in 2010, by YouGov, a UK-based research organization. It is prevalent among teenagers and young people who never switch off their phones and want to be contactable at all times. YouGov found that 53% of UK men and 47% of women were nomophobic.
Similar research in the USA found that 65% of people sleep with their phones (the percentage is higher among college students) and 34% of respondents had answered the phone while being intimate with a partner.
Everyone wants to feel connected. Nowadays the internet and access to Wi-Fi or a network wherever we go, means that we can always be in touch with people. We simple become addicted to this, and in an insecure world, being connected means receiving approval from others. We like to feel approved of.
While we are being a little light hearted here, you should be aware that nomophobia can actually be very serious. If your addiction to your phone has persisted over a long period of time and is affecting your health – perhaps your ability to sleep, or your everyday life – you communicate better with friends via your mobile than face to face for example, then it really is time to wean yourself off it or seek professional help.
Depending on the severity of your nomophobia you may be able to access a variety of treatments. Exposure therapy for example, involves a therapist slowly exposing a person to the idea of being without their phone. This is then extended to being without the phone in reality for short periods of time, and building this up.
A cognitive behavioural therapist might work on overcoming the fear of being disconnected or without your mobile, while other specialists might recommend relaxation techniques to deal with your emotional and physical symptoms.
Do you sometimes despair about humanity because it seems there are far more bad people than good? Are we primarily selfish individuals, thinking only about our own needs? Or is this cynical belief just because we spend so much time online? The truth is more complicated!
When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!
Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.
Children's imaginations know no limits and their dreams are a mix of hopes and fantasies, the real and the magical, the impossible and the achievable.
Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.
It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.
Sexual desire is a complex interaction of hormones, emotions and well-being. When your partner is not as interested in sex as you are, it’s rarely a rejection of you as a person. So it’s essential to be as empathetic as you can regarding your differing libidos.
Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.
Read the complete article
Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.
Being happy is something everybody strives for, but unfortunately there are a lot of people who go through life unhappily. A lot of people take life how it is.
Read the complete articleBach Flowers are not medicinal but harmless plant extracts which are used to support health.
© 2026 Mariepure - Webdesign Publi4u
Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.
