What is separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder becomes a problem when the psychological condition of an individual makes a turn for the worse. An individual experiences so much grief from separation that he develops excessive anxiety when the thought of being separated from another loved one occurs to him. Stronger emotional attachments tend to form when a separation has occurred. This is a common phenomenon observed among children of divorced families.
To a person suffering from separation anxiety disorder, the threat of an important person leaving him is always there. So much time is wasted on worrying over this threat. In the beginning, there seems to be no end to this kind of disorder, especially when the memories of being with the separated person are still fresh in the person’s mind.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleeping becomes a chore you’d rather not do when you’re suffering from separation anxiety. Children from divorced families refuse to sleep on their own right after the separation. They also show signs of emotional fatigue like headaches and nausea. Separation anxiety disorder affects the main activities of a child, like those in school and at play.
Kids and Pets Are Most Vulnerable
All age groups show susceptibility to this disease, but kids are more or less more vulnerable. Separation anxiety is not limited to humans, as pets can also show the same disorder in a different way. Canines left behind by their owners can become destructive and noisy. Sometimes, the dogs have trouble interacting with others except the owner. If the owner is gone, the dogs become difficult to handle.
Recurring distress happens when the person is reminded of the person he is missing. The longing intensifies and depression could set in. Depressed people with separation anxiety are difficult to console. Most of the time, they snap out of it when taken to a new and more exciting environment. Sometimes, the separation anxiety deepens and clingy attitude develops.
Recurring Dreams
One of the most difficult to handle is the dreaming. Nightmares recur when the mind is troubled, as is the case with people suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Crying during the night for some unknown reason is also to be expected. It is said that some kids are likely to develop panic disorders, bipolar disorders and ADHD if they are suffering from separation anxiety.
Persistent Worry
It’s the persistent worrying that makes separation anxiety disorder hard to control. Therapy helps quite a bit, especially with kids. Most of the time, the kids develop a major attachment to another person or an inanimate object to cope with separation distress. Adults with separation anxiety become traumatized to attach themselves to someone again.
The Cure
Listening to a therapist, or getting a solid self help program for curing anxiety will do wonders for you and your child. Separation anxiety disorder should be treated naturally, and relaxing your mind is the best cure. To find out how to relax, there are so many self help programs out there like Linden that can give you clues on the best methods.
