Separation Anxiety Therapy in Marietta, Roswell, and Atlanta

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety disorder involves intense fear, worry, or distress about being away from someone you are strongly attached to. While a little bit of separation anxiety is completely normal, especially in young children, it can become a struggle when it’s more severe or lasts longer than expected. For example, while it’s common for a child to have a hard time with the first day of school, persistent or overwhelming anxiety is different. It can even show up physically, causing things like headaches, stomachache, or trouble sleeping.

Although we often associate it with childhood, separation anxiety can affect teenagers and adults, too. In adults, it often looks like a deep-seated fear of being separated from children or romantic partners. If you find that this anxiety is starting to overwhelm you or get in the way of your school, work, or daily routine, it is a good idea to reach out for support.

Signs & Symptoms

Separation anxiety can look different for everyone, but common signs include:

• Intense distress during or when anticipating separation from loved ones.
• Persistent worry that something bad will happen to a loved one, or that something bad will happen to you that causes a permanent separation.
• Refusal to leave home or stay away from a loved one’s side.
• Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, nausea, stomachache, or insomnia when apart from a loved one or when thinking about being apart.
• Nightmares specifically about being separated from someone you care about.

Developing a Strategy

Separation anxiety can be heavy, not just for the person experiencing it but for their family and friends as well. The good news is that therapy can make a world of difference.

A therapist can help you identify the thoughts behind these fears, build healthier ways to cope, and help you gradually feel more comfortable with independence and uncertainty. If you’re a parent, therapists can also provide a safe space to collaborate on a plan that supports your child while helping them feel secure. With the right evidence-based tools, it is possible to manage these anxieties and build confidence.