Separation Anxiety Treatment

The realism of separation anxiety

Many individuals find it difficult to digest separation anxiety. For adults, detachment issues are discredited, as we can absorb information rationally and build upon our independence. With this in mind, the fear of being alone has been disregarded by many.

However, separation anxiety is a real problem in adults, which can be just as impactful as further anxiety disorders. It’s mainly defined as fear or worries, linked to feeling lonely, leaving certain people, family and friends also being alone, and low engagement levels.

While engagement is necessary for us as humans, those who suffer from separation anxiety find that constant engagement is reassuring, helping to alleviate such worries.

Imagine feeling like you cannot leave the side of a loved one or need to be surrounded by people on a consistent basis. This is the reality of separation anxiety, where loneliness can result in chronic mental health issues, irrational thinking and aggressive symptoms of panic.

On the other end of the spectrum, the excessive concern of engagement can be tough on relationships, on life in general, on the ability to maintain independence and on health.

The exact causes of separation anxiety are often unknown due to how personal, unpredictable and rapid such feelings can develop. Yet many individuals note symptoms once trauma, distress, death or ongoing loneliness has been experienced.

If you’re living through detachment issues or feel low when alone, it’s time to look into a specialist diagnosis and separation anxiety treatment.

Common symptoms of separation anxiety

Symptoms of separation anxiety can resemble the usual symptoms of other anxiety disorders. For example, insomnia, irritability, depression, increased heart rate and panic attacks are all prevalent across the anxiety spectrum.

However, there are some more definite symptoms that focus on behaviours and thought processes that differentiate separation anxiety.

• Worry over being alone or feeling isolated
• Breakdown in relationships down to the pressure of attachment
• Low self-esteem, a lack of independence and the inability to make decisions alone
• A constant feeling of panic when the risk of loneliness is presented
• Frantic thought processes around risk to loved one’s health and wellbeing
• The need to be surrounded by others
• The inability to leave the house alone

Through the above symptoms, it’s easy to see how life-altering separation anxiety can be in adults, which must be managed through anxiety treatments and therapies.

Anxiety conditions can overlap with substance use, including drug or alcohol addiction. If this applies, ask providers how they assess anxiety and substance use together, and whether dual diagnosis treatment or coordinated support may be appropriate.

Lifestyle and wellbeing management for separation anxiety

Some anxiety disorders can be supported by healthier routines, graded exposure, therapy, coping strategies and wellbeing planning. These steps may help build confidence, reduce avoidance and support recovery where separation anxiety overlaps with addiction.

Useful provider questions include whether therapy is delivered by qualified clinicians, how substance use is assessed, what happens if anxiety symptoms increase, whether family support is available and what aftercare is offered.

Separation anxiety is a valid mental health condition. If alcohol or drug addiction is also present, it is worth seeking guidance that considers both issues together. You can contact Recovery Scotland for confidential support-route guidance.