Coping With a Child’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety affects most children, especially when they first start school or be away from home for an extended period. The symptoms experienced by children with separation anxiety are similar to the symptoms experienced by adults during a panic attack: extreme fear, inability to relax or sleep, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. However, there are some ways by which the anxiety can be reduced by teaching your children to cope with the condition.

The condition cannot be effectively addressed without first knowing the symptoms and causes of the condition.The major symptoms of separation anxiety are fear and nervousness.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.

WebMd experts say that the condition often develops after a child experience a traumatic event. 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. Anxiety treatment methods may include medication and psychotherapy. Parents and guardians also need to minimize the stress experienced by the child and ensure that the child is getting proper nutrition and adequate rest appropriate for the age of the child. If a child is not sleeping or eating properly, they may be vulnerable to developing different degrees of anxiety disorder.

One of the treatments mentioned above is psychotherapy. The primary aim of psychotherapy is to make children at ease with separating from their parents and in the process, develop new healthy behaviors in response to separation. Medications and nutritional or herbal supplements may also be a viable option for separation anxiety. What these does is to lower the anxiety of a child allowing him or her to better handle the situation.

Even though there is no known way to prevent separation anxiety in children, there are several ways to manage the condition and encourage the child to adapt healthier behaviors and reactions. A holistic approach that includes diet and lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication in extreme cases, may be the best option for many children who can’t seem to overcome their anxiety. Treating this condition early can help the child become stronger and more independent, and allows them to develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress later in life.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites