Common Cause of Separation Anxiety Disorder
There are many different causes as to why this disorder can develop. The most common ones would be: Changes in environment- a new house, or school, this can lead to stress which also can cause Separation Anxiety Disorder I children, the stress of going to a new school, having to make new friends can cause a great deal of stress on a child, In some cases an over- protective parent can cause a child to become dependent on his or her parent to help make decisions or to be comforted. The biggest cause would be trauma, when a child goes through traumatic situations they tend to look for the ones that were there for them and the ones they feel the best around, causing them to always want that person around and fear something bad could happen to them.
Separation Anxiety Disorder in Children
Children who let their fear of losing their parent or attachment get in the way of normal activities, such as not wanting to go to school, pretending to be sick or ill so they won’t have to leave, not wanting to hang out with friends or simply not wanting friends in general. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months. These symptoms can lead to other problems such as when a child isn’t going to school they become behind on school work and mental knowledge. Not wanting to be with friends or even have friends at all can lead to social problems, not knowing how to make friends or to even hold a simple conversation with another person.
Children who suffer with a more sever level of Separation Anxiety Disorder, will have fears of something happening to their loved one, when the attachment figure leaves they will fear that something bad or harmful will happen to them, making it so they won’t return, or an illness will threaten or even take the life of the one they are attached to. These children will also have night mares about being separated for the one they love the most.
Helping ease Separation Anxiety
There are many little tricks and tips that a person can try to calm or soothe a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder. Such as : Practicing Separation- Leaving your child with someone for a short amount of time, try to make the time of separation for the time the child is going to be taking a nap or going to sleep, Make a “ Good Bye” routine- a good bye kiss or waving out the window to each other, Keeping comforting items in the child’s surrounding- when the child is needing a baby sitter have him/ her come to your house if that is not a possibility allow the child to bring something with them that they enjoy at home, When Leaving, go right away, don’t stall, set rules as to what they can and can’t watch- scary shows or movies will make them want what makes them feel safe and content, and don’t give in to your child, when they see that you will be back when you leave, or that you are leaving no matter if they throw a fit or not, they will become more comfortable with you leaving, seeing that they can’t control it.
Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults
Separation Disorder isn’t only known in children, Adults can be diagnosed with it as well. The most common attachment that adults have is to their significant other. Many of the Adults that have this disorder fear what there significant other is doing, where they are going, who they are with, and if they are ok. You could say that their behavior is almost obsessive or stalking like. People that are in relationships with someone that is suffering often times feel smothered or that they can’t live a normal life, these relationships don’t end up lasting; many couples end up seeking counseling.
People who suffer from this are more likely to be struggling in different areas of life a well; they don’t go to work when they are supposed to, or are leaving, they will do whatever they have to, to check up on that person they are attached to, so because they aren’t dependable at their place of they are more than likely going to lose their job, so they’re going from job to job, probably struggling financially, they tend not to leave the house or want anyone else in their lives because their main focus is that person that they are attached to.