Nomophobia: You could have this fear and you don't even know it
This phobia might be more common than you think.
Phobias can affect your life in a significant way.
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Whether it's the dark, spiders, sickness, dangerous animals, or clowns that you are afraid of, phobias are no laughing matter.
But there are some that may seem like they aren't too hectic.
One of these is nomophobia. The name might sound funny, but it is actually no laughing matter.
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In the digital age we live in, people have become very attached to their phones.
Our phones contain so many details of our lives and there are very few things they aren't used for.
According to a study, "the term NOMOPHOBIA or NO MObile PHone PhoBIA is used to describe a psychological condition when people have a fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity. The term NOMOPHOBIA is constructed on definitions described in the DSM-IV, it has been labelled as a "phobia for a particular/specific things".
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But how do you know whether or not your attachment to your phone is unhealthy or not?
Here are five signs you might be suffering from or close to having nomophobia:
1. You feel anxious when your phone battery gets low
Many people will feel annoyed or irritated when their phone battery gets too low, but that might be because they need their phone for something specific.
It does, however, become a problem if your phone's low battery causes your palms to get sweaty, your heart to race, and you live in fear of being out of contact with anyone.
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2. You can't leave the house without your phone
Obviously, having a phone on you for safety and other reasons is justifiable, but if you are making sure you take your phone with you because you just can't be without your phone and it feels like separation anxiety, then you need to take note.
3. You feel annoyed when you can't access your phone
This could include when someone asks you to put away your phone and you react negatively.
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4. You put your/other's lives at risk
While it is illegal to use your phone while driving, if you suffer from nomophobia you will easily reply to a text, make a phone call or use your phone for any other reason when driving, ignoring the risks.
5. You use your phone for work on holidays
If you are coming back from leave and you are not feeling refreshed then you might need to consider your work/life balance. Stop checking your phone for work emails and other work-related things while on holiday.
Here is more information on nomophobia:
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Main image courtesy of iStock/megaflopp