If Your Mom Is Developing a Phone Addiction, She's Probably Avoiding These 11 Fears

Photo: popsugar

When stress starts to build, we often turn to distractions like spending hours on the phone to cope. Especially when we haven't learned healthier habits to manage stress.

Given that mothers often carry the emotional and organizational burden of the family, even while working and earning just as much as their partners, it's no wonder they often resort to distractions to get through the day.

Like everyone else, mothers need to calm their fears and anxieties while trying to be productive. So it's not that your mother wants to ignore you when she's on the phone, she's just trying to manage her fears.

Here are 11 fears your mother is probably avoiding by being on the phone a lot:

1. The feeling of being unnecessary and unimportant

For many mothers, their identity as a parent slowly replaces their personal interests and needs. Their value is often tied to how much they are needed by their children, and the responsibilities of parenting become the top priority. If your mother is "swiping" on her phone during her free time, she may be avoiding the fear of realizing how much she needs to feel needed.

2. To be alone with her thoughts

Many people don't like being alone because it forces them to confront feelings and thoughts they've learned to suppress. Mothers who start obsessing over their phones are often avoiding the fear of being alone with their thoughts and feelings.

3. Slow down the pace

Slowing down can seem impossible for moms with a million responsibilities. But slowing down can improve their well-being and parenting. Some moms may be avoiding true slowing down, which requires a certain amount of focus and presence of mind.

4. Conflicts and difficult conversations

Avoiding difficult conversations may temporarily ease anxiety, but over time it only amplifies stress, anger, and resentment. Avoiding them for momentary comfort can damage long-term family dynamics.

5. Dealing with a messy marriage

Many relationships experience tension and emotional detachment after the arrival of children. "Browsing" the phone can be a way to protect yourself from facing the reality of marriage and the risk of conflict or rejection.

6. Unresolved pain and raw trauma

Unresolved trauma and pain can affect children, creating messy relationships. If a mother avoids confronting these issues by staying on the phone, she may not be aware of the effect on her children.

7. Extreme fatigue ( burnout )

Mothers often experience weakened mental health due to high expectations and constant emotional burden. If they don't seek help, the phone may be a way to avoid dealing with their fatigue.

8. Setting boundaries

Boundaries are important for healthy relationships. Avoiding them and being distracted by your phone can deepen stress.

9. Existential questions and feelings of emptiness

Mothers can avoid questions like “Is this all there is to life?” or “What is my purpose?” by distracting themselves with their phones. This can become a habit and create feelings of alienation and isolation.

10. Ask for help

Many women find it difficult to ask for help, especially when they are overwhelmed. The phone can be a way to avoid feeling weak or unable to manage everything on their own.

11. To lose importance

Mothers of teenage or adult children can feel disconnected from their lives. The phone gives them a sense of importance and connection to the world and their children. But if it becomes a habit, it can lead to distancing and avoidance.