How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Children

Children often experience some degree of separation anxiety when they are starting school or are going to be away from their parents or home for a long period of time. Separation anxiety can trigger a number of behaviors that mimic panic disorder and extreme anxiety in adults including uncontrollable crying, inability to sleep, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of impending doom or disaster. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the effects of separation anxiety in children, and you can teach them how to cope with the situation in a healthy way.

Understanding the fundamental symptoms of separation anxiety in children is the first step to addressing the condition. Separation anxiety causes nervousness and fearfulness in children, and they can develop a habit of unrealistic thinking in the process. Some of the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder include the refusal to go to school so that they can stay home with their parents or babysitter, frequent nightmares about being separated, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches, and frequent temper tantrums.

Experts at WebMD say that separation anxiety typically develops after a period of severe stress or a traumatic incident in the child's life. Anything from losing a pet to moving homes can trigger the symptoms of separation anxiety, so it's important to identify the symptoms and then create a plan to lower the feelings of fear and anxiety.

Medication and psychotherapy are the usual treatment options for separation anxiety. It is also important for the child's guardians to focus on the child's health and ensure that the child is eating properly and is getting enough rest. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest can lead to the development of other anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, a type of counseling, is one of the most effective and proven ways for treating anxiety in adults, and is also used to treat separation anxiety in children. This type of therapy focuses on helping the child become comfortable with being separated from their caregiver for longer and longer periods of time, and encourages the child to develop appropriate behaviors for dealing with leaving their family. Medication and herbal remedies may be an option for some children suffering from separation anxiety. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and herbal remedies that help to lower stress levels can help the child better cope with the situation and become more comfortable with the idea of being away from their parents or caregiver.

Separation anxiety cannot be totally prevented, but it is a manageable condition. A more complete approach can be used for difficult cases. Solving this condition early on will improve the chances of the child to develop a healthier approach and attitude to life.

If you have ever suffered from anxiety when planning holidays or traveling, there is hope. Successful non-pharmaceutical approaches are available to help you to free yourself from the unsettling thoughts that can lead to panic attacks.