WHEN one closes a door, another opens. There are beginnings and endings.
Relationships, assignments, and missions end. The summer is almost over. People die. Many leave. But sometimes they return. Children grow up. They start school, go to a university away from home. Eventually, they leave home. Separation hurts. Even between a school and a church.
Lately, there had been a lot of goodbyes. It hurts. People may have developed attachments to other people – as a parent, as a friend, or a partner. These people leave – because of many reasons stated above.
Some people develop anxiety and fears. There is concern but also worry about what will happen to the loved one when they are separated. A child would cling to his/her parents, lovers fear of losing one another, and friends afraid that they will lost touch with one another. Worries and fears are normal feelings. It happens to us many times. But, sometimes, there are people who will not be able to function properly that their daily routine is already disturbed.
Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves intense and excessive anxiety and fear of being separated from a loved one (shakerclinic.com).
Some of the examples of fears include:
* The possibility of being separated from a loved one
* Ongoing worry that a loved one may suddenly die
* Panic that a loved one will get lost
* Concern that a loved one will be kidnapped
* Trepidation that a loved one will get hurt
* Anxiety that a loved one will become ill
Separation anxiety can also be experienced by adults. There is a strong attachment to another person. They may become overly protective or some may tend to be clingy to the point of being possessive and jealous. This is not healthy.
Fears are learned – based on one’s experience that could be traumatic. It could be inherited from a parent.
According to barendpsychology.com, here are some signs and symptoms of adults with separation anxiety experience are common in child separation anxiety, and include:
* Extreme distress when separated from their primary caregiver (in adults: loved one).
* Reluctance to do anything that involves being apart from their primary caregiver (in adults: avoidance of being alone in any circumstance).
* Constant worry that something will happen to their primary caregiver (in adults: loved one).
* Inability to go to sleep without being close to the primary caregiver.
* Adults also fear that their loved one will leave them or that they will be harmed in some way.
* Adults also experience extreme fear when asked to do something alone.
Treatment is possible. One has to look into the root of the anxiety. He or she needs to consult with a psychiatrist or a psychologist for proper care.