A consistent goal of anxiety therapy is to help patients discover the sources of their anxiety. Needless to say that there are lots of sources. Some people experience anxiety over their relationships or finances. Others are anxious because they are also fearful. The list goes on and on. But here is a question: could your phone be the source of some of the anxiety you experience?
In a word, yes. Cell phones are fantastic tools in a modern world that relies on staying connected. But every tool has its downsides. In the case of a cell phone, how it is used can lead to all sorts of issues including both cell phone dependence and anxiety.
Multiple Triggers for Anxiety
Science is just beginning to understand how cell phone use impacts anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. In terms of anxiety specifically, there are multiple triggers. There are multiple causes rooted in how we use our cell phones.
For example, perhaps you are familiar with what is referred to colloquially as the fear of missing out (FOMO). This fear is relatively new and often related to the internet age when people have access to instant information. It is a fear that can lead to anxiety for some people.
Perhaps you rely on your phone to keep you in the loop. Maybe having to put your phone down for even an hour can trigger this fear in you. In turn, the fear triggers the anxiety you start to feel as you realize you don’t have access to your phone.
Nomophobia Is a Real Thing
Another potential source of phone-related anxiety is a newly named phobia known as nomophobia. Shorthand for ‘no mobile phone phobia’, nomophobia has been observed among phone users of all ages around the world. However, young adults are most susceptible to it.
A recently released study conducted among university students in five Middle Eastern countries reveals that younger people are more likely to rely on their cell phones to overcome feelings of “inferiority, helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression, etc.” That being the case, it stands to reason that these same people experience more anxiety when, for whatever reason, they cannot use their phones. Researchers suggest that this is a classic sign of cell phone dependence.
There Is Always Hope
The Middle East University study is just one of several studies demonstrating a clear link between cell phones and anxiety. We can certainly get into more detail in this post, but that’s not the point. The most important thing we want you to know is that there is always hope.
Aspire Psychological Group offers comprehensive anxiety therapy both face-to-face and online. We can help you understand and overcome your anxiety regardless of its root cause. If it turns out that your cell phone is a contributing factor, we can help you deal with it. And if not, we can help you discover and deal with other potential sources.
Start Your Journey with Us
Overcoming anxiety can take time. It can also require different therapy approaches depending on its root cause and severity. If you are hoping to overcome anxiety that is keeping you from living your best life, we want to help. Just bear in mind that you need to start your journey toward better mental health, or you won’t ever reach the destination.
We invite you to start that journey with Aspire Psychological Group . Our anxiety therapy is based on the latest science along with the knowledge, skill, and experience we’ve acquired over many years of working with patients. We are ready and willing to come alongside you.
