Separation Anxiety
According to the Mayo Clinic, separation anxiety is an anxiety disorder that shows itself as repeated and intense distress when thinking about separation or being away from home and loved ones.
Symptoms may include:
- Being clingy or having tantrums with separation that last longer or are more severe than other kids of the same age.
- Intense worry about losing a parent or loved one to death, illness, disaster or harm.
- Constant fear that something bad will happen to them.
- Not wanting to be home alone without their loved one close by.
- Not wanting to sleep away from home without the loved one close by.
- Repeated nightmares about separation.
- Repeated complaints of headaches or stomach aches before or during separation.
Individuals with OCD are more likely to have Separation Anxiety. There may be other co-existing conditions that occur along with Separation Anxiety. The National Institute of Mental Health lists risk factors that include exposure to negative or stressful life events, a family history of anxiety or other mental health condition, shyness in childhood, and feeling nervous in new situations.
Other risk factors can include traumatic events such as loss through death or relocation of a family member or support person, or abuse.
Treatment options include Cognitive Behavioral therapy and anti-anxiety medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) .
Did you know that Separation Anxiety can occur in adults?
Check out this YouTube video: “8 Signs You’re An Adult Suffering From Separation Anxiety” by Dr. Tracey Marks.
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