What is FOMO?

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the anxiety that comes from the belief that others might be having more fun, experiencing better things, or living a better life than you are. It’s the feeling that you’re not included, that you’re missing out on something great, and that you’re somehow less than because of it.

FOMO can be triggered by a variety of things, such as seeing your friends post about their latest adventures on social media, hearing about a party you weren’t invited to, or even just scrolling through your newsfeed and seeing all the amazing things that people are doing.

While FOMO is a common experience, it can have a significant impact on mental health. In adults, FOMO can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It can also contribute to problems such as sleep deprivation, social isolation, and poor decision-making.

Why does FOMO affect mental health?

There are a few reasons why FOMO can have such a negative impact on mental health. First, it can lead to feelings of social comparison. When we see other people doing things that we’re not doing, it’s easy to start comparing ourselves to them and feeling like we’re not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and low self-esteem.

Second, FOMO can trigger anxiety. The fear of missing out can be so overwhelming that it can lead to feelings of panic, worry, and dread. This can make it difficult to focus on anything else and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Third, FOMO can lead to depression. When we’re constantly feeling like we’re missing out on something, it can be easy to start feeling down about ourselves and our lives. This can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

How to manage FOMO

If you’re struggling with FOMO, there are a few things you can do to manage it and protect your mental health.

• Identify your triggers. The first step to managing FOMO is to identify your triggers. What are the things that typically make you feel like you’re missing out? Once you know your triggers, you can start to avoid them or develop coping mechanisms for dealing with them.
• Limit your social media use. Social media is one of the biggest triggers for FOMO. The constant stream of updates about other people’s lives can make it easy to start comparing yourself to them and feeling like you’re not good enough. If you find that social media is making your FOMO worse, try limiting your use or taking a break altogether.
• Focus on your own life. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s life is different. Focus on your own goals, your own relationships, and your own experiences. Don’t worry about what other people are doing.
• Practice self-care. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by FOMO, it’s important to practice self-care. This could mean taking a break from social media, spending time with loved ones, or doing something that you enjoy. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is essential for managing FOMO.

If you’re struggling to manage FOMO on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your FOMO and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with it.

Reference or Sources : https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/study-reveals-fomo-impacts-mental-health-in-adults/
https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/spc3.12828