Unplugging in Spencerport: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Smartphone Addiction
Smart phones have become as common as televisions and computers. It’s rare to meet someone without one. Not only that, there’s an expectation that you have one. A significant issue arises when we are expected to constantly be accessible to anyone and everyone. This creates a cultural norm – phones at the dinner table, staying up late doom scrolling, constant checking of emails, social media, “Did my pic get any likes?” People wonder why this generation seems to struggle more with mental health issues than the generations preceding it. So, how can we tell if we have a problem with our phones when it’s become so normal to be on them all the time?
Warning Signs
First, remember that something being more common doesn’t make it right or healthy. Smoking was quite prevalent in the 1930s-1950s, but obviously that didn’t end well for many tobacco users. Unfortunately, the damage is also tougher to see in things like mental health until there is a clear pattern over a long period of time. Let’s consider these warning signs that suggest you might have an unhealthy attachment to your phone. Ask yourself these questions:
1 – Slacking on your responsibilities. Do you find yourself consistently not getting to responsibilities bc you get lost in social media? Do you end up staying later at work, etc, to make up for time spent surfing? Or being late to places, ie: commitments, bc you get sucked into your phone?
2 – Isolating from people. Do you find yourself consistently preferring to be online/with your phone than connecting with humans IRL? Have you replaced time with others with phone time?
3 – Being secretive about use. Do you hide how much time you’re on your phone bc you’ve already gotten negative feedback about it, or feel you’re going to?
4 – Experiencing increase in mental health symptoms when phone is not present. Do you feel fearful, anxious, uncomfortable when not using your phone or if you forget it at home? Can you go without it for an extended period of time: an hr? a movie? a day?
5 – Struggling to function without use. Do you find that being without it or not using it for an extended period of time causes you to really struggle with functioning – focusing, getting things done, producing high-quality work?
If these symptoms sound like you, no shame. It’s very difficult to keep yourself from giving in to something that was created to be addictive. However, we can’t use that as an excuse and we don’t stay stuck in a hole once we realize we’re in one. I recommend talking to a professional if you’ve tried to limit use on your own and it hasn’t worked. I specialize in tech/phone addiction and would love to work with you. If you’re interested, check out my website below and book an appt if you’re ready to regain control of your life.
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If you’re ready to embrace your life and make healthy changes, reach out here to book a consult. 👉 Beyond Sessions Contact Page
Clinician Bio
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and owner of Beyond Sessions Mental Health Counseling Services PLLC, I help individuals work to gain the confidence and skills needed to improve their lives. Specializing in Adulting, ADHD, Binge Eating, Self-Esteem/Assertiveness, Tech/Phone Addiction, and Christian Counseling, I partner with adults of all ages who feel overwhelmed and are looking for freedom and empowerment. Whether we meet in person at my Spencerport, NY office or connect online throughout New York State, my goal is to help you gain control of what is yours to steward, to equip you with practical coping skills, and to witness you finally step into your genuine self.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9245664/
Helpguide.org
Great book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt