What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety refers to a state of intense worry, stress or anxiety about separation or separation situations, usually observed in children and infants. It is associated with situations involving separation from the mother or caregiver, especially for young children, but can also occur in adults due to different contextual and psychological factors.
Separation anxiety in children can usually last up to 6 months and usually decreases as children grow older.
In infants, separation anxiety can manifest as crying, restlessness and distress when separated from the main caregiver. These babies are relieved when the main caregiver returns.
Children may also experience separation anxiety when they start kindergarten or school. This involves getting used to a new and different environment and at the same time being away from the parents or caregivers.
Separation anxiety in adults can often occur due to changes in social or intimate relationships. Situations such as the end of a relationship, estrangement or death of a loved one can lead to separation anxiety. In this case, a person may experience anxiety, restlessness, sadness and a marked feeling of worry.
It should be noted that separation anxiety is usually a normal psychological reaction. However, if it is prolonged or reaches a level that impairs functioning, it is important to seek professional help. Psychologists or psychiatrists will assess separation anxiety and recommend the necessary treatment or counseling.
How to recognize separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety in children occurs in different ways according to their developmental stages. We will process this process in 2 different ways:
1-Preschool Period (usually between 2-6 years old):
- Crying and Distress: Children in this age group are usually worried about being separated from their parents. They may often cry when they start new environments such as kindergarten or daycare or when parents have to go to work. This can be the most obvious sign of separation anxiety.
- Physical complaints: Children may express the stress of separation through physical complaints. Complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain or nausea are common.
- Social withdrawal: Some children may exhibit social withdrawal behaviors to avoid separation. They may prefer to be alone instead of playing with other children.
- Sleep Problems: Children with separation anxiety may have difficulty sleeping. Nightmares, nightmares or night wakings may be common.
2- School Period (Primary School and above):
- Not Going to School: Separation anxiety in school-age children may manifest itself as a desire not to go to school. Children may express that they do not want to go to school or that they want to run away from school.
- Separation Anxiety at School: Anxiety about being separated from mom or dad at school may increase. Separation anxiety may be especially pronounced when children start a new school or experience major changes such as a change of teacher.
- Attention Problems: Children with separation anxiety may have difficulty paying attention at school. This can have a negative impact on learning and academic achievement.
- Social Isolation: School-age children may tend to socially isolate due to separation anxiety. They may have difficulty making friends with other children.
- Somatization Symptoms: Some children may experience physical complaints when they experience separation anxiety. This can include complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain or nausea.
When Does Separation Anxiety Occur?
If you see signs of separation anxiety in your child, it is important to offer emotional support and understanding. It may also be helpful to take your child to a specialist. Specialists can suggest strategies to help your child cope with separation anxiety. Dealing with such anxiety, especially during the school year, is critical to support your child's academic and emotional development.
How to cope?
One of the healthiest ways to cope with separation anxiety in your child's school years is to have regular counseling sessions with a pedagogue. You can take advantage of WTC Online Therapy to coordinate sessions with your child's school and social life.
You can also follow a few supportive steps with your therapist's suggestions:
- Understanding and Support: It is very important to understand and accept your child's feelings. Give him/her the opportunity to express his/her concerns when he/she experiences separation anxiety. Make him/her feel that you are always there for him/her and that you are with him/her during this process.
- Introduce the School: Before school starts, take time to introduce the school to your child. Visiting the school or meeting the teacher can help your child learn more about the school.
- Separation Practices: You can prepare your child by practicing separation with them. For example, you can help your child gain more confidence in leaving by practicing short separations and then returning.
- Establish a Routine: Establishing a fixed daily routine can help your child know when you are leaving and when you are coming back. This can reduce separation anxiety.
- Positive Departures: When it's time to leave for school or elsewhere, make the departure a positive experience. Kisses, hugs and loving goodbyes can make your child feel more secure.
- Building self-confidence: Help your child develop self-confidence. Teach them how to communicate with others, solve problems and cope on their own.
- Support Friendships: Support the process of making friends at school. Help your child make friends with classmates and encourage them to participate in social activities outside school.
- Professional Help If your child's separation anxiety is very intense and interfering with their ability to function, consider seeking help from a professional. A child psychologist or therapist can help your child manage and cope with their anxiety.
- Stay Calm: Try to be calm and understanding during your child's separation anxiety. When you feel anxious or tense, your child may feel it.
Online anxiety treatment is a process that requires patience and care. It usually lessens over time and your child can cope better as they get older. However, it is important to ensure that your child receives emotional support and guidance during this process. Also, creating opportunities for your child to build their self-confidence and strengthen their social skills can help in the long term.
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Family Actual Pedagogical (Family-Child-Adolescent)
