Amritsar, June 4 –
In today’s tech-driven world, the darker side of excessive screen time is beginning to take center stage. Amritsar is witnessing a noticeable rise in mental health cases, with prolonged exposure to mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs becoming a major contributing factor. Recognizing this alarming trend, Dr. Monikeerthana, Senior Mental Health Specialist at EMC Hospital, Amritsar, has strongly advocated for the adoption of a “digital detox” to combat digital fatigue.
Dr. Monikeerthana explains that the constant use of smartphones and the internet is fueling issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and self-doubt across all age groups—especially among children and teenagers. One of the most worrying signs is how young minds are getting deeply impacted by comparing themselves to unrealistic portrayals of “perfect lives” on social media, leading to low self-esteem and emotional instability.
Often, behavioral symptoms like quietness, aggression, or inability to focus are misinterpreted by parents as rudeness or laziness, when in fact they are clear signs of digital exhaustion.
But the problem is not just psychological—it’s a lifestyle crisis. Dr. Monikeerthana notes that prolonged screen exposure is disrupting eating habits, reducing sleep hours, limiting physical activity, and almost eliminating family conversations. Parents themselves, immersed in their devices, unintentionally model the same habits for their children. This vicious cycle won’t break unless families make a conscious effort together.
This is where digital detox steps in—not as a total rejection of technology, but as a measured and mindful use of it. Dr. Monikeerthana suggests several simple yet effective practices:
Keep phones away during meals and bedtime.
Use “Do Not Disturb” mode during personal or family time.
Dedicate time each day to hobbies, physical exercise, or screen-free family interactions.
Encourage outdoor play and face-to-face conversations for children.
Implement a weekly “No Screen Day” to reset and reconnect.
EMC Hospital has seen a sharp increase in cases where mental imbalance and stress are directly linked to screen overuse. In response, the hospital urges residents of Amritsar to incorporate digital detox habits into their daily lives and to seek professional mental health support if early symptoms arise.
“Your mobile is in your hand—you are not in its control.”
This simple line has become the mantra for today’s age. The foundation of a mentally healthy life and balanced family relationships begins with a small but powerful step—a digital break.
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