Separation Anxiety In Children
Separation anxiety disorder is usually something that small children experience when their parents leave them, even for a short time. In most cases, children grow out of this condition as they get older and begin to understand that their parents are coming back, however, once in a while even adults can suffer from this potentially debilitating condition. In children, separation anxiety is most often seen as a frustrating developmental stage that parents and caretakers are forced to help the child deal with, but for adults who realize that their fears are not rational, this condition is not just annoying, it’s downright painful for many who are forced to live with this disorder.
There are some things that you can do, once you understand the disorder, to help you or your children that suffer with separation anxiety which might help you to ease the fear and worry that can cause this disorder. The first step in understanding this condition is to know that often, when a person anticipates the parent or person in their life might be leaving, people who suffer with this disorder might begin to feel as if they have a headache or stomach ache. These feelings are real, but are caused by the fear of their primary attachment leaving, so if you can ease the anxiety over the separation by assuring the person suffering that you will return in no time, you might be able to ease some of these symptoms of this condition.
While you should know that separation anxiety is usually a developmental stage in most children, there are some cases where the anxiety could become debilitating and it has been found that other symptoms of this condition include feeling strong general anxiety, worrying about other’s safety and wellbeing, fear of falling asleep unless the patient is near the main person to which they are attached and frequent homesickness. Also, when an adult experiences these symptoms, it could be very disruptive, so seeking treatment is highly recommended.
Many pediatricians recommend just assuring the child that you will return. With time they will begin to understand that it’s normal for mommies and daddies to leave and come back, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. In extreme cases, therapy or a doctor’s visit may be necessary, however. Also, in adults, therapy to treat this condition is highly recommended, since separation anxiety can be so debilitating to adults.
If you feel that you are the one suffering from this condition, it’s advisable that you talk to your health care professional to see if you can determine a course of treatment for your separation anxiety that will best suit your needs.