India, July 10 -- T oday, phones often feel like an extension of the body, staying with us everywhere, even in spaces like the bathroom. However, constantly reaching for your phone during moments of boredom, stress or silence can signal a deeper dependence. And if you have experienced a sudden wave of panic when you cannot find your phone, you may be experiencing phone anxiety. We speak to experts to find out what it entails. Psychiatrist Dr Sameer Bhargava shares, "Each interaction with the phone triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Over time, the brain begins to expect these frequent rewards. When the phone is unavailable, many people experience restlessness, irritability or difficulty concentrating, which may be considered psychological withdrawal signs." He adds, "Without our phones, we are left alone with our thoughts, which can feel uncomfortable." Global wellness leader Rekha Chaudhari describes this as a "digital jungle" that is increasingly difficult to escape. She explains, "The 'digital jungle' is a metaphorical construct that defines the invisible ecosystem we now inhabit, where screens, platforms and algorithms relentlessly compete for human attention. It is frictionless to enter, persistently engaging and increasingly difficult to exit." She warns that failing to declutter and step away from the 'digital jungle' can lead to prolonged mental fatigue, leading to restlessness, difficulty switching off mentally, reduced focus, irritability and emotional imbalance. However, simply reaching for your phone to avoid boredom, loneliness or stress does not necessarily indicate addiction, says Dr Bhargava. But it may become a concern when phone use begins to interfere with everyday functioning, including sleep, relationships, work or emotional well-being. In such cases, it may be time to consider a digital detox, aka an intentional period where a person significantly reduces or completely avoids using digital devices, he says....