Do you feel like you can't live without your phone? You may suffer from nomophobia.
Nomophobia is the fear of being without your cell phone. And before you laugh, there are support groups for people who say they suffer from it. Doctors say that some people's anxiety over their mobile devices is starting to cross the line.
If you want to study the importance of our mobile devices in our lives, just spend an afternoon in Centennial Olympic Park and people watch. You'll see people texting, taking pictures, checking a map, some talking – mostly you will see smartphones in action no matter what you're doing.
One study by the group SecureEnvoy found that Nomophobia has increased since 2008, from 55 percent of the population to 66 percent in 2012.
"For some people, they might worry that they are going to miss a phone call, an important meeting, miss a contact. For some people, it's simply their connection to the outside world. It's a way they read what's going on with politics. It's a way to keep up with news. With some people, it's their security blanket. It's just something that makes them feel right at times," said Dr. Josh Spitalnick.
What about kids? Psychotherapist Suzanne Maiden specializes in treating children. She says a mobile phone for a child is their connection to loved ones and their friends.
"Here we are setting our kids up almost that they have immediate access. What happens when that stops? What happens if they lose their phone, they drop it in water, it gets broken etc. Kids can panic," said Maiden.
Maiden says there are times when you might consider getting treatment for nomophobia.
"If it starts causing problems in your relationships, at work, in your own life -- it's dictating your routines, then maybe talking with someone who treats anxiety disorders is a good thing," said Spitalnick.
If it has to be treated, it's is handled like any other phobia. If it is starting to affect your relationships, starting to affect your daily routine, talk to your doctor about it.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
