Nomophobia. That’s short for “no-mobile-phone phobia.”

It is exactly what it sounds like- fear of being without a cell phone. It is one thing to not want to lose your cell phone. You likely paid good money for it. And if you don’t have your contacts and apps backed up somewhere, regaining all of it can be a hassle. My phone deleted all of my contacts before my birthday, so I sent out many “thanks…now who is this?” texts.

But nomophobia is something different. People suffering from this feel unusually high stress levels if unable to check their phone frequently. A U. K. study said the stress nomophobes feel compares to the stress of “getting married, moving into a new house, or going to the dentist.”

I have seen this stress level firsthand. In 2006, I spent the night at my cousin’s house and as a prank hid her phone when she went to the bathroom. When she returned and couldn’t find it, within a minute she asked, “Where’s my phone?” I played coy and shrugged.

After spending another 30 seconds looking, she turned towards me with a fierce glare. I noticed her breathing had changed. She was hyperventilating and she formed a fist with both hands. Needless to say I quickly returned it the next time she asked and never repeated that again.

If that sounds like a reaction you’d have to losing your phone for a whole two minutes, you’re likely a nomophobe. Which would put you with the majority of the population. A Lookout study showed that 73 percent of people panic when losing their phone.

Fourteen percent feel desperate, and another seven percent feel physically ill. I’d roll over in my grave if my tombstone read: “Died of panic attack-misplaced cell phone for 20 minutes.” It’s not just texting or calling that keeps people glued to their phones. Apps and social networking sites are also to blame.

Yet none of that compares to a poll by Mashable. The survey was broken down by countries and Spain came in first with 85 percent of surveyors saying they would give up water rather than their mobile apps. Maybe Mashable is unaware of an app that lets you drink water from your phone.

Is there a cure? No, and nomophobia is more likely to spread now that children and senior citizens are getting mobile phones too.  It won’t be long until teachers must deal with crying kindergarterners who won’t hush once they realize they’ve left their cell phones at home.

For those who won’t or can’t cut back on cell phone usage, keep your phone charged. That’s your only hope. If you can’t remove the fear you might as well keep it in check.