Cell phone Addiction : Warning Symptoms & Management

Cell phone Addiction – Warning signs & symptoms and Management

Cell phone usage is unavoidable nowadays, though it is a highly productive tool which helps us both personal and professional aspects but increased cell phone usage are quite common due to global invasion of social media and video games in each individual lives. Cell phone addiction is usual in many people lives, even some people not aware about that they are addicted to phone. This article we will see about Signs and symptoms of cell phone addiction, what happens when you are addicted to phones and steps to overcome from cell phone addiction.

What is Cell phone addiction?

Cell phone addiction is a disorder involving compulsive usage of cell phones despite of its potential negative consequences. Other terms which include in to cell phone addiction is “Nomophobia” which means fear of being without mobile phone and Internet overuse problem and Internet addiction disorder.

What happens when you use phone continuously? or what happens in your body when you are addicted to phone?

Physiological effect of cell phone addiction:

Overuse of phone or cell phone addiction leads to “GABA” dysfunction and loss of Grey matter in brain. GABA is a inhibitory neurotransmitter known for calming effect and even it can control fear & Anxiety. Studies showed that increased cell phone usage has an impact on GABA production which disturbs its function too.

Similarly, Grey matter is responsible for enabling individual to control movement, memory and emotion, So loss of grey matter disturbs its routine function.

The above significant effect resembles like features of substance addiction.

Psychological effect of Cell phone addiction:

Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Stress, increased loneliness, Attention deficit, Restlessness, creativity blocks, insecurity, Anger, relationship conflicts, Sex addiction, porn addiction are the possible psychological effect of Cell phone addiction.

Physical effect of Cell phone addiction:

Digital Eye strain, Neck and back strain, Sleeplessness, Obesity, Hormonal imbalance due to radiation, Male infertility.

Read also: Computer Related illness

What are the warning signs and symptoms of Cell phone addiction?

The above physiological, psychological and physical effects are considered to be the symptoms of cell phone addiction. But we have to segregate that the above symptoms are effects of over use of cell phones or cell phone addiction i.e the root cause for above disorders or symptoms is cell phone usage. But there are some signs and symptoms which happen prior to the effect which we often ignore or not giving importance to that. They are

When you check your social media updates seriously while eating or while sitting in the bathroom
Keep on watching videos by ignoring your basic routine like sleeping, taking food or drinking water.
You love to be with phone rather than going outside with your friends.
Isolation from loved ones, feeling of lack of connection
You feel angry or irritated when phone usage is interrupted.
Difficultly in completing your personal and professional work
More time on phone
Getting up at night and check the phone
Phone is totally tied to you even during sleep
Comparison mode

Remember, there is no specific amount of time, frequency or texts which you types that indicates addiction

Steps to overcome Cell phone addiction:

Know yourself:

Track “When” & “Why” you are using your mobile
Track your cell phone usage timing – measure it
Identify your triggering factors, what made you to pick your phone
How does it feel when you resist the tempt to pick your phone
Know your daily routine in terms with cell phone

{Answering the above questions itself is quite challenging sometimes because of cell phone addiction but try to answer, because it gives a valuable suggestion where to focus}

Read also : Why do we blame others?

Create a place for Phone free zone:

Create a place for cell phone free zone in your home and also in workplace. Example, Avoid phone in toilet, bed, dining table, and balcony and also don’t take your phone at your lunch and tea time in office, instead spend time with people. Creating phone free zone helps you to involve socially or aid you to engage in other activities and thus by it helps you to overcome cell phone addiction.

Schedule your Daily routine:

Have a regular schedule, plan ahead and give a separate time for social media and checking your mails. Respect your commitments.

Turn off your all notifications:

Social media notification is one thing which stimulates you to pick your phone constantly. So turn off all notification including whatsapp messages. It is better to have a sound only for phone calls.

Change your Home screen & Lock screen:

Change your home & lock screen in your phone with motivational quote related to withdrawal of addiction. Every time when you want to touch your phone, that quote reminds your current journey and involve you in being mindful of phone usage.

Engage in Healthy routine:

When you engage in healthy routine like walking, doing exercise, book reading, practicing Meditation, it not only occupies your time wisely but also makes you healthy.

Engage in Social activities:

Pick up yourself out and be socially connective. Talk with your parents, friends, spend time with elder people and kids in your family. It brings overall wellness and helps you to overcome from cell phone addiction.

Seek professional assistance:

If you feel struggling in applying above strategies, seek professional help, nothing wrong in it.

Overcoming cell phone addiction is a journey with more ups and downs, but it is possible for you to overcome from cell phone addiction. All you need is awareness, courage and commitment