How to deal with someone who has separation anxiety?
Dustin Bechtelar
2025-06-17 14:40:32
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A person may worry that something bad will happen to their loved one while they are separated. These symptoms can cause significant distress that affects social, occupational, or academic functioning. Doctors may recommend treating separation anxiety through psychotherapy, medication programs, or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first line of treatment for separation anxiety. This therapy aims to help people identify the thoughts and behaviors that worsen their separation anxiety. Anti-anxiety medication may also be temporarily prescribed to help a person through their most acute symptoms of separation anxiety. A combination of CBT and medication is often most effective in treating separation anxiety. People who join support groups can gain help with learning techniques for reducing separation-related anxiety. Through therapy and, in some instances, medications, people can reduce their separation anxiety symptoms.
Edwin Langworth
2025-06-17 13:22:39
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When you love someone, it’s hard not to worry about them.
It’s simply a part of life.
But the distress with separation anxiety disorder is out of proportion to the situation.
It may also start to interfere with your work or relationships.
For example, you might call off work to stay with your loved one or text them often to make sure they’re OK (and worry until they reply).
If you force a separation despite your child’s protests, then your child may appear sad or uninterested in whatever setting they’re in (like school).
They may have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork and not seem to care about engaging with peers.
These are behaviors their teacher might observe.
If away from home for several days (for example, at camp), a child with separation anxiety disorder might get extremely homesick and feel miserable until they’re allowed to leave.
Cameron Tromp
2025-06-17 10:49:37
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Instead, you can focus on helping your baby understand and deal with their feelings so they feel more secure. They'll learn that if you leave them, they will be OK and you will come back. If your baby's old enough, you can talk to them about what's happening, where you're going and when you'll be with them again. Practise short separations from your baby to begin with. You could start by leaving them in someone else's care for a few minutes while you nip to the local shop. Leave your baby with someone they know well so they still feel comfortable and safe in your absence. Gradually work towards longer separations, and then leaving them in less familiar settings. Talk about what you'll do together later. Talk to your toddler about what you're going to do when you see them again so they have something to look forward to with you. Leave something comforting with your baby. It may comfort your baby to have something they identify with you – like a scarf with your scent on or a favourite toy – close by. Make saying goodbye a positive time. When you leave your baby, however sad or worried you may be feeling, smile and wave goodbye confidently and happily, otherwise they will pick up on your tension.
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