Phobias: Textaphobia

One of the most recent phobias that has come to be a problem in people’s lives is self-explanatory.

Whilst many of us embrace the inevitability of IT’s modern communications, some relish the use of mobile phones and others tolerate them, but there are a few who become obsessed and then fearful of using them because of the addictiveness or the traumas they may endanger. This can lead to a phobia whereby people can be so fearful of the consequence of using a mobile that they become phobic and avoid them at all costs.

Two examples come to mind. Take John (fictitious name) who became so addicted that he could not put his phone down through all his waking hours. His monthly bill came to £300 and when he had used all his credit cards to the full and had no spare cash, he became so paranoid that he threw his mobile in the Tawe River, and whenever he heard a mobile ring he would go into panics.

Using hypnosis I calmed his subconscious mind and rationalised with him that he could be in control and use mobiles for only the occasional text and call within his budget. He then demonstrated his control for three months and we knew then that his phobia was overcome.

Then there was Rose (also fictitious name) who had received a death threat on a text. She was so terrified, and in a panic state became hysterical, and from then onwards became phobic about using her mobile which she abandoned after throwing away the sim card.

Thereafter, whenever she heard a mobile ringing, she would panic and rush away from the noise.

The problem then developed into fear of going to public places where people would use mobiles, and we all know how frequently we see people on their phones even in shops.

Clearly, in an extremely anxious state, she could only relax in her home, her car or in my consulting room where mobiles are banned. We proceeded in hypnosis to rid the subconscious of the original fear and then to rationalise that she was safe and secure and there was no reason to suspect that she would necessarily receive another death threat, and in any case she can actually enjoy the convenience of being able to instantly dial 999 if ever she was concerned about a call or text. We built up her confidence and now she is back using her mobile and is fully relaxed when using it.