Experiencing a Constant Fear of Being Left Out: Exploring the Impact of Missing Out Anxiety on Your Well-being

In the digital age, a phenomenon known as FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, has become increasingly prevalent. This emotional state, characterised by the feeling that others are having more fun, experiencing new things, or living a better life than you, can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, not just due to social media.

FOMO is a negative emotional state resulting from unmet social relatedness needs. It can be particularly harmful, especially when your personal relationship with your body image is in disarray. A 2022 study suggests that depressive and anxious symptoms worsen the longer we spend on social media, while a 2017 study correlated more daily social media use with a higher chance of having an anxiety disorder.

People with underlying mental health conditions, low self-esteem, anxiety disorder, or depression may be at higher risk for FOMO. However, it's important to note that an athlete, a book lover, or someone who wishes to be more socially involved can all experience FOMO.

Setting limits on social media use can help manage FOMO. This can be achieved by deactivating accounts, saving social media for weekends, or imposing time limits on smartphones. Parents should set limits for their younger adolescent children introduced to social media.

Identifying triggers of FOMO can help avoid or manage it better. Recognising physical or psychological symptoms of FOMO, such as stomach tension, nausea, headaches, body aches, heart palpitations, feelings of emotional distress, increase in intrusive thoughts, and negative self-talk, is a sign to take a break.

Developing a sense of self is important in all stages of life to recognise one's worth and values. A value-based assessment can help identify what brings joy and what doesn't. If symptoms become increasingly disruptive, it's important to ask for help. A psychologist who specialises in interpersonal therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing FOMO.

Amy Sullivan, PsyD, a qualified expert on FOMO, has a background in clinical psychology with specialized training and experience in mental health. Her work relates to anxiety and social dynamics studied in psychology. The reality of social media should be evaluated as it often only shows a sliver of what's actually happening.

In conclusion, understanding and managing FOMO is crucial for maintaining good physical, mental, and emotional health. By setting limits, identifying triggers, developing a sense of self, and seeking help when needed, individuals can navigate the digital world with more ease and less anxiety.

Experiencing a Constant Fear of Being Left Out: Exploring the Impact of Missing Out Anxiety on Your Well-being