Are you anxious or even panicked at any time away from someone you love?
If someone leaves the house briefly, do you find it impossible to be at peace until they return?
Are you trying to find answers to why you feel this way and how to stop it?
You may be coping with separation anxiety disorder.
Separation anxiety disorder isn’t just something that happens to kids—it can affect adults, too, in ways that impact your daily life and your relationships.
The good news is that by understanding what separation anxiety disorder is, recognizing its signs, and exploring treatment options, you can begin to take steps toward a more peaceful, balanced life. This guide is here to help you learn about separation anxiety disorder and how you can manage it effectively.
What is separation anxiety disorder?
Separation anxiety disorder is a condition characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being apart from loved ones. While it’s normal to feel some level of concern when separated from those you care about, this disorder goes beyond typical worry. It can lead to intense anxiety that disrupts your daily life and relationships.
Signs of separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Excessive worry about losing a loved one or that something terrible will happen during a separation.
- Refusal to be alone or to sleep away from the person causing the anxiety.
- Physical symptoms include headaches, stomachaches, or nausea when separation is anticipated.
- Difficulty concentrating on work, school, or daily tasks due to persistent worry.
- Nightmares involving themes of separation or harm to loved ones.
- Emotional distress during or leading up to separation, often resulting in crying, clinginess, or tantrums (in children).
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may look different depending on whether separation anxiety disorder is affecting a child or an adult.
Causes of separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder can develop due to various factors. Some of the most common causes of separation anxiety disorder include:
- Life transitions: Events such as moving to a new place, starting school, or changes in family dynamics can trigger separation anxiety.
- Traumatic experiences: Experiencing a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, can lead to increased anxiety about separation.
- Family history: If anxiety disorders run in your family, you may be more predisposed to developing separation anxiety.
- Overprotective or anxious parenting: In children, an overly protective or anxious parent can inadvertently reinforce fears about separation.
- Stressful life events: Any significant stressor, like financial problems, can exacerbate anxiety about being away from loved ones.
Understanding the underlying causes of separation anxiety disorder can be the first step in addressing it and managing your symptoms effectively.
How to obtain a formal diagnosis
If you suspect that you or a loved one might have a separation anxiety disorder, seeking a formal diagnosis is an essential step toward getting the proper support. Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Consultation with a healthcare provider
Discuss your symptoms with a primary care doctor or mental health professional. They can provide an initial assessment and refer you to a specialist.
2. Full assessment or evaluation
Makin Wellness offers thorough evaluations through our online therapists and counselors. This may include interviews, questionnaires, and possibly observing behavior. They’ll assess the severity of the anxiety and how it’s affecting your daily life.
3. Diagnosis
Based on the evaluation, the mental health professional will determine whether the symptoms meet the criteria for separation anxiety disorder. They’ll also rule out other potential conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
4. Accessing support
Once diagnosed, you can begin exploring treatment options. A formal diagnosis can also help access online therapy, medication, or support groups.
Treatment options for separation anxiety disorder
There are various effective treatments for separation anxiety disorder that can help you manage symptoms and regain control over your life. Here are some standard treatment options:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Online CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety disorder. This online therapy focuses on identifying and changing illogical thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Through online CBT, you can learn coping strategies to manage stress and reduce the fear of separation.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medications are commonly used to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Medication is typically used in conjunction with online therapy for the best results.
Online anxiety therapy with Makin Wellness
Online anxiety therapy offers a convenient and effective way to address separation anxiety disorder. With Makin Wellness, you can access therapy from the comfort of your own home, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety related to leaving a safe space. Online anxiety therapy allows you to work with experienced mental health professionals who can help you develop coping skills, manage symptoms, and improve your overall mental health.
At Makin Wellness, our compassionate online therapists help you navigate the challenges of separation anxiety disorder and achieve a more balanced, peaceful life.
Conclusion: Moving forward with hope
Separation anxiety disorder can be a challenging condition to live with, affecting your relationships, daily life, and emotional health. Understanding what separation anxiety disorder is, recognizing its symptoms, and exploring treatment options are the first steps toward managing it effectively.
Whether seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Makin Wellness provides the guidance and support you need. Our online anxiety therapy services are designed to help you manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and move forward with confidence and hope.
Are you ready to take back control of your life?
Call us at (833)-274-heal or make an appointment with a specialized anxiety therapist to start your mental health journey. By scheduling an online therapy session with Makin Wellness, discover how professional support can make a difference in your journey toward healing.
