ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH YOUR PHONE?

Nomophobia — the fear of being without your phone, is a lifestyle disorder that’s affecting our lives

Ican’t live without you”. Ten years ago, people used to say this to their loved ones. But, now, the phrase doesn’t apply to their dear ones as much it applies to their phone. The moment they are separated from their devices, anxiety hits them like a hurricane. Recent research suggests that people suffering from nomophobia, feel lonely without their phones. They have an unhealthy attachment to it. Thus, they isolate themselves from real company.

We spoke to experts Dr Gorav Gupta, psychiatrist and Samhitha Srishaila, psychologist, who explain the symptoms of nomophobia, its harmful effects and ways to deal with it.

YOU ARE NOMOPHOBIC WHEN...

If you wake up in the night every two hours just to check your phone.

You check your phone even when you are having lunch or dinner.

You start to panic when your phone is about to run out of battery and you can’t rest until you put it on charging.

You feel that you’re missing out on life when there is no signal in your phone.

You have an urge to answer your phone, no matter how busy you are.

You take your phone even to the washroom.

You’ve checked your phone twice while reading this article.

IT’S DETRIMENTAL BECAUSE...

It causes anxiety. People suffering from nomophobia tend to suffer from anxiety when separated from their phones. This causes high blood pressure. It also reduces attention span of an individual, which can harm one’s work productivity.

It’s a colossal waste of time. Avoid looking at your phone, while doing other activities. Recent studies suggest that this multitasking doesn’t work, as you can’t retain and process information at the same time.

It affects your sleep patterns. The blue light emitted from your phone, signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up, and it suppresses melatonin, the hormone responsible for dictating your sleep rhythms. „It leads to skin trouble. Constant contact with your phone can cause acne, allergies and dark spots.

It affects your relationship with friends and family, thus affecting your social skills. It’s considered rude if you constantly check your phone, when you’re talking to them.

HOW TO DEAL WITH NOMOPHOBIA

Turn your phone off before sleeping .

Customise notifications in your phone. Constant notifications from various apps in your phone are distracting.

Delete apps that are not required.

Go old-school and wear a watch to check the time rather than your phone. „Take phone breaks while working. „Spend more time with friends and family. Limit your phone use, when you’re with them. Watch films on a big screen, rather than on your phone.

One of my patients was a student and was suffering from phone addiction during his board exams. The patient used to fight with the parents whenever they would take the phone away

DR GORAV GUPTA, PSYCHIATRIST