Bach Flower Advice

What to do about nomophobia?

What to do about nomophobia


What exactly is nomophobia?

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.

Why do people become nomophobic?

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.

Nomophobia can be very serious

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.

Treatments

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.

6 Tips to wean yourself off your phone

  1. Take control of your life. You should be the master not the servant of all technology. Your laptop and your phone should make your life easier, but not take over.
  2. Turn it off when it really isn’t needed
  3. Go a day a week without any technology
  4. Make sure you are engaging in face to face contact with people – and having real conversations
  5. Make a deal that you have equal amounts of screen time and personal contact
  6. Look at good sleeping habits and bar electronics from your bedroom. You’ll sleep so much better!

Created by Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.

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What to do about nomophobia?

What to do about nomophobia?
What to do about nomophobia


What exactly is nomophobia?

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.

Why do people become nomophobic?

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.

Nomophobia can be very serious

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.

Treatments

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.

6 Tips to wean yourself off your phone

  1. Take control of your life. You should be the master not the servant of all technology. Your laptop and your phone should make your life easier, but not take over.
  2. Turn it off when it really isn’t needed
  3. Go a day a week without any technology
  4. Make sure you are engaging in face to face contact with people – and having real conversations
  5. Make a deal that you have equal amounts of screen time and personal contact
  6. Look at good sleeping habits and bar electronics from your bedroom. You’ll sleep so much better!

Marie Pure

Other articles


Standing Up To A Narcissistic Pervert

Standing Up To A Narcissistic Pervert

Whether it's with a romantic partner or a housemate, there's no doubt that a relationship with a narcissist can be very challenging. But are there ways to cope better? Or is it better to leave the relationship? 

Read the complete article

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

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.

Read the complete article

I don't want to!

I don't want to!

Motivation can be somewhat elusive - some days, you just can't seem to make yourself do the stuff you don't want to. But putting things off just leads to stress, frustration and a sense of guilt.

Read the complete article

Why you're not the best

Why you're not the best

What are your aims in life? Do you plan to be rich, to be a top footballer, to be a good parent, or to become Prime Minister? However efficiently you plan your life, sooner or later you are going to come up against obstacles to achieving your goals.

Read the complete article

Live Forever the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

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.

Read the complete article

Do you think too much Or too little

Do you think too much? Or too little?

Feel like you overthink too much? Having a hard time making decisions? Or feel like you don’t consider your options enough? Find out how to strike a balance.

Read the complete article

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Do We Label Too Fast?

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.

Read the complete article

Hiding a depression find out if someone you know - or you yourself! - is doing this

Hiding a depression: find out if someone you know - or you yourself! - is doing this

It's not always easy to tell if someone has depression. While some signs such as sadness, pessimism and withdrawal from social interaction are easy to recognise, other symptoms may be less obvious. And some people are very good at hiding their depression - even from themselves!

Read the complete article

have you considered yoga

Have you considered yoga? The advantages of practicing yoga

Have you considered yoga? There are many advantages to practicing yoga. It is a holistic practice benefitting you physically, emotionally & mentally.

Read the complete article

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Read the complete article

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