How many times have you noticed that your mobile phone is becoming more than just a means of communication - an obsession? Are you aware that your phone usage habits and patterns may reflect inner anxiety?
How many times have you noticed that your mobile phone is a source of stress and anxiety? Are you aware that some of your phone habits may actually reflect your inner anxiety? Your cell phone reveals more about your emotional state than you might think.
In the era of digital connectivity, the mobile phone is becoming an intimate part of our everyday life. In addition to practical functions, it can also become a mirror of our mental state. Some habits related to the use of a mobile phone are not only superficial, but can serve as a manifestation of inner anxiety.
A mobile phone can tell you a lot - the weather, your weekend plans, the latest news. Experts say it can give you too cues about how you feel. When we're excited, our body goes into what's called 'fight or flight', and instead of this response being short-lived, it's longer because we're so attached to our phones.
What can an obsession with mobile phones indicate?
Doomscrolling (and overscrolling)
It's a phrase for constantly scrolling and clicking on your phone to learn more and more about disturbing news or topics of concern. And unsurprisingly, this can be a sign that you're feeling anxious. When you're searching and obsessively researching catastrophic news and topics, you're trying to find someone reassurance, answers, and all this only makes your anxiety worse.
In addition to browsing negative content, excessive scrolling can also be a sign of anxiety seemingly "good" content, such as lighthearted posts or funny clips. Many people use this as a method of distraction – shifting their attention to their phone, which allows them to avoid what's going on in their lives, whether it's a stressful situation at work or an argument with a friend.
Search history on your mobile device
Google searches can show you how anxious you are and what intrusive thoughts you have. Excessive searching for symptoms of illness or searching for answers to things that worry you can be a sign of increased anxiety.
Using the phone as a way to avoid certain situations
Using the phone as a distraction strategy or to avoid dealing with real-life stressors.
You can't tear yourself away from your phone
If our phone was a person, we would be attached to it all day. And when people are upset, they can become even more attached to their phones. The problem of not being able to part with the phone can indicate the presence of anxiety or even addiction. Constantly checking at inappropriate times can indicate an obsessive desire for notifications.
Please respond to all notifications as soon as possible
Responding to messages immediately can create pressure and anxiety by preventing you from setting healthy boundaries around phone use.
Avoiding phone calls
Avoiding phone calls can indicate a lack of social skills and a fear of communicating in real life.
Panic when your phone doesn't work
If you feel nervous or panicky when you don't have access to the Internet or when your phone battery dies, it may indicate a deep-seated obsession with your cell phone. You should be alone for a while without texting or calling. The constant need to be in contact with others can be problematic.
If you think your phone is encouraging your anxiety, you can try to create a physical barrier between you and the phone. Try a simple one elastic band trick: put it on your phone and you will see how this physical barrier makes it difficult to use your phone.
