Separation anxiety disorder is more common than you may think. Everybody misses a partner, loved one, or...
Separation anxiety disorder is more common than you may think.
Everybody misses a partner, loved one, or friend when they are gone. It's natural.
However, many people experience severe symptoms when faced with the absence of someone they care about.
Separation anxiety disorder commonly occurs in both children and adults.
Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder may cause mental, emotional, and even physical suffering.
That's why it's important to seek therapy for anxiety.
There is support for anxiety available, and effective forms of treatment.
If left untreated by a licensed professional counselor, separation anxiety disorder often causes other problems in relationships.
Seek immediate professional therapy for your anxiety; don't ignore it or take it lightly.
With this in mind, let's identify five symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.
Being home makes you feel safe, comfortable and content.
And being home with your loved ones can give you an even more powerful feeling of security.
Those who suffer from separation anxiety disorder often have various fears related to home.
In some cases, separation anxiety disorder may causes a person to fear being away from home for long periods of time.
In other cases, separation anxiety disorder may causes a person to fear being home alone.
In both cases, those who suffer from separation anxiety disorder may feel stressed out or anxious over the mere thought of being away from home or home alone.
It's important to remember that a person suffering from separation anxiety disorder doesn't have to be away from home or home alone to feel afraid.
It's often just the thought of separation from home or loved ones that's a symptom of separation anxiety disorder.
Fear that a loved one may be diagnosed with a life threatening illness or die tragically is a common symptom of separation anxiety disorder.
Everybody lives with some fear about the possibility of something bad happening to someone we love.
However, when a person suffers from separation anxiety disorder, often those feelings of fear, trepidation, and anxiety are exaggerated.
Unhealthy fantasies about death and dying are often symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.
A person may imagine elaborate scenarios wherein a loved one dies or becomes ill, leaving them alone.
Those suffering from separation anxiety disorder may especially fear the possibility of their loved one getting Alzheimer's or dementia- and forgetting who they are.
Remember, a person with separation anxiety disorder experiences irrational fears- they don't need a logical reason to be afraid.
That's why seeking counsel and treatment from a licensed professional is so important.
Dreams and nightmares often reflect the stress, fear, and/or trauma we experience in everyday life.
It's no surprise then that a person suffering from separation anxiety disorder may experience recurring nightmares.
And it's also not surprising that those with separation anxiety disorder have nightmares about being separated, alone, and abandoned.
As we all know, dreams and nightmares can be an exaggerated, even unrealistic portrayal of real life, but seem so real at the same time.
For those suffering from separation anxiety disorder, nightmares that portray exaggerated scenarios of separation may seem more real than even real life.
For example, they may have a nightmare about their partner cheating on them and abandoning them, despite the fact they have a healthy, happy marriage.
Or they may have a nightmare about being kidnapped, getting lost, or not being able to find a loved one in a crowded place.
Nightmares can seem real. And for the person with separation anxiety disorder, those fears conjured up by nightmares can persist long after they awake.
Substance abuse is a common symptom of separation anxiety disorder.
As we've seen, a person with separation anxiety disorder often experiences fear and distress before a loved one leaves the house.
But what happens when their loved one actually leaves the house, for work, errands, or a business trip?
It's not uncommon for those suffering from separation anxiety disorder to attempt to ease their fears and anxiety through substance abuse.
Symptoms of substance abuse as a result of separation anxiety disorder may include abusing: alcohol, pain killers, and other prescription drugs or marijuana or other illegal drugs.
Those who suffer from separation anxiety disorder often attempt to numb or forget their fears when left alone.
It's not uncommon for them to refrain from abusing substances when their loved one returns and is home.
Those who suffer from separation anxiety disorder often abuse substances when left alone, in secret.
Yet another reason to seek treatment from a licensed professional counselor.
Mind and body are intertwined, each affecting the other in a myriad of ways.
The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder often manifest as physical pain.
Separation anxiety disorder may cause: headaches, stomach pain, insomnia, paralyzing fatigue, lethargy, and panic attacks.
Those with separation anxiety disorder may suffer from debilitating physical pain.
However, they may shelter or conceal their pain in the presence of their loved ones.
Remember, separation anxiety disorder may cause a person to feel alone, even when they are not alone.
Suffering physical pain often leads to harmful behaviors or habits such as appetite loss, lack of concentration, irritability, moodiness, and low libido.
The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder can affect all aspects of life, and endanger healthy relationships.
The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder should be taken very seriously.
Separation anxiety disorder begins with a fear of being left alone or abandoned.
And yet, separation anxiety disorder often escalates into other more serious symptoms.
If left untreated, separation anxiety disorder can have long-lasting, negative ramifications on romantic relationships and marriages.
If you or someone you know suffers from separation anxiety disorder, seek treatment from a licensed professional counselor.
Nobody should feel alone or fear being alone.
You are not alone, so don't go it alone.
There are professional counselors who can provide the guidance, advice, and empathy you need to overcome separation anxiety disorder.
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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.
It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.
Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.
The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
