Separation anxiety: what it really is, and how to cope -

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Separation anxiety isn't only present in children. Adults can also suffer from it, which can be very serious. While it's normal for anyone to feel loneliness and uneasiness about being away from loved ones, it can put a strain on relationships when it causes distress and feels out of control. It can also lead to extreme fear that bad things will happen to important people in one's life. This is when it may require attention.

Intrigued? Click on to understand the characteristics, causes, and how to cope with separation anxiety.

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What is separation anxiety? -

Separation anxiety is when you feel nervous when you’re separated from a loved one, such as a primary caregiver or a partner.

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Separation anxiety in children -

Separation anxiety in babies usually starts at about eight months. By age two, toddlers begin to understand that their parents will return.

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Separation anxiety in adults -

If separation anxiety continues into adulthood, one will be diagnosed with adult separation anxiety disorder.

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How can it be prevented? -

There is no known way to prevent separation anxiety disorder. However, there are ways to cope with it.

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Causes of separation anxiety -

Separation anxiety most often affects those who exhibit insecure attachment style. And there are a number of possible causes for it.

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Hereditary factors -

There's a correlation between parents who have anxiety and higher levels of separation anxiety in children.

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Environmental factors -

Some environmental factors might also play a role, such as parental loss, highly chaotic or stressful homes, or abandonment.

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Anxiety disorders -

Having a diagnosis of another anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety or social anxiety, can also be a risk factor.

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Symptoms and characteristics -

Separation anxiety is presented in a number of ways, and it's important to be aware of them.

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Behavioral and cognitive symptoms -

Separation anxiety can cause significant mood changes, as well as impact concentration and decision-making.

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Physical symptoms -

In some people, separation anxiety can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat or an anxious feeling overall.

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Functional problems -

Separation anxiety can also cause functional problems, such as avoiding leaving one's home, difficulty at work, or even turning to substances to cope.

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It functions on a spectrum -

Separation anxiety functions on a spectrum, meaning some may have mild symptoms while others might experience a great deal of anxiety and distress.

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It's typically recurrent -

Separation anxiety is usually recurrent and manifests as excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation.

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Overly strict parenting -

Some research has shown that extremely strict and demanding parents may have separation anxiety issues as well. Sometimes referred to as reverse-separation anxiety, the parents may be so concerned that their child will leave them that they try to control their life as much as possible.

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Stuck in relationships -

Another way separation anxiety may manifest itself is in the way adults treat their relationships. Whether romantic or with friendships, many will maintain the relationship even when it's extremely unhealthy, out of fear of being alone.

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Extreme jealousy -

Adults with separation anxiety may show signs of jealousy in their relationships. For example, this could be manifested in irrational feelings about a partner's fidelity.

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Coping with separation anxiety -

While you can't prevent separation anxiety, you can adopt some strategies that can help you cope with it.

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Recognize the signs -

It’s important to recognize the signs of separation anxiety. One can do this by talking with trusted family members, friends, a partner, or even mental health professionals.

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Admit and accept it -

A helpful coping mechanism is admitting and accepting that separation anxiety is a deep fear of letting go of loved ones.

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Believe in your own capabilities -

Separation anxiety is temporary and can be eased by being mindful about your own capabilities. If you're away from a loved one, stay occupied and remind yourself that the reunion will be extra special.

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Declutter your environment -

Clutter can affect your daily life. Removing clutter from your surroundings can have a positive impact on your overall mood, and reduce anxiety.

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Try yoga and meditation -

Mindfulness routines, like yoga and meditation, can help you combat separation anxiety.

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Keep a journal -

Journaling is a major part of mental health therapies to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Give it a try!

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Observe healthy relationships -

Observing healthy relationships gives one the idea of how a relationship can be, instead of only understanding co-dependent, insecurely-attached relationships.

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Regular physical activity -

Stress is a major part of separation anxiety in adults. Doing 10 to 15 minutes of physical activity every day can have a positive impact on overall mood and reduce one's worries.

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Seek therapy -

Together with an increased communication with partners and other family members, therapy is a useful option.

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Support groups -

Support groups may be of assistance because they provide the individual with additional social support beyond their immediate inner circle.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Cleveland Clinic) (Healthline)

See also: Understanding the many different forms of therapy

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