Helping Separation Anxiety In Children
Many Children Face Separation Anxiety
From the moment a baby is born to the early toddler years, your child will have a primary caregiver, oftentimes you, who will be by his side almost every minute of everyday.
There will come a time in each child’s life when he has to spread his wings and discover the bigger world outside and so often shows anxiety in children.
It is during these times that a child is brought to the daycare center for the first time, or is left alone with the babysitter at home while mom goes back to work. It is also during these times that symptoms of separation anxiety in children may start to develop.
If it is not helped early, it can lead to adult separation anxiety disorder.
A Typical Scenario of Separation Anxiety In Children
The child is about to start daycare and is actually very excited. But when the time comes for the parent to leave, he refuses to let them go and breaks down in tears when he realizes that he is really going to be left behind.
Separation anxiety in children can be quite tough to deal with, not only for the child but also for the parents. It may give you some consolation to know, however, that this is an ordinary situation that millions of parents go through, and that it can easily be overcome.
The best way to conquer separation anxiety is to simply talk to your child and reassure them that you will be back. This is actually what triggers separation anxiety in children — the fear that you are going to leave them for good.
Just say a quick goodbye and don’t linger around too long. While some children feel better when they see you outside the room waving at them every time they look out, others may feel more agitated with seeing you outside, knowing that you are about to leave, so you may have to try different approaches to see which will work better for your child.
Most of the time, separation anxiety in children goes away after a few days, when the child finally gets used to his new surroundings and routine. If you see no signs of improvement after a couple of weeks, you may want to bring your child to a therapist who can work with you in helping your child deal with his separation anxiety. Just make sure you stay with him all throughout the sessions to give him support.
With patience and determination, your child will surely be able to overcome this problem and thankfully not have to face adult separation anxiety disorder later.
Separation Anxiety Disorder In Children – Symptoms and Treatments
It is not uncommon for a child to feel separation anxiety when they are not with their parents. As a small child, being left with another person can create anxiety. Once the child has come to the realization that the parent will return the separation anxiety becomes less and less.
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Sometimes, for a variety of different reasons, a child develops a separation anxiety disorder. When the parent leaves the child with another caregiver the child becomes very anxious and is inconsolable. The child remains fearful and distraught until the parent or another trusted person comes to their rescue.
Separation anxiety disorders are a real problem for some children and if they are not addressed at a young age can become life long issues which will prevent normal functioning. Anxiety in children should not be dismissed.
Separation Anxiety Disorders in Children Symptoms
Along with the anxiety and fearfulness that is displayed with the separation there are several other symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorders. Children who have this disorder also often have frequent nightmares involving separation, sadness and depression. This type of disorder is usually more common in girls than in boys and can lead to extreme fears of death or dying of the family members or the youth themselves.
Treatments For Children With Separation Anxiety Disorders
First and foremost the safest is always natural, so you may like to try a natural treatment for anxiety in children. There are several effective ways to treat children with Separation Anxiety Disorder. One hope is that the child will outgrow the disorder with age and other interests. While this may occur there is a risk in allowing the disorder to go untreated based on hope. If the child does not outgrow the disorder precious time will have been wasted and the disorder may have become more of a problem.
One of the easiest ways to treat Separation Anxiety Disorders is for the child to start counseling and therapy. It may take only a small amount of counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist to help the child deal with the separation anxiety and be able to function normally.
Sometimes with severe Separation Anxiety Disorders the physician will prescribe an medication. There is some controversy about the use of psychological prescription medications for children but for a very severe disorder this may be the best treatment. Many times the child will only need the medications for a short period of time until the disorder can be brought under control. It is important for the parents to discuss all the options with the physician and get as much information about treatments before making a decision regarding the best course of treatment. One thing for the child and the parent to know is that there is a high rate of remission with Separation Anxiety Disorder as the child ages and becomes more confident and in control.
If you are concerned about the thought of medication for your child then finding therapy for your child is important. There is help available so do not think medication is your only choice. Natural anxiety treatments have proven to be extremely effective.
