How can I deal with separation anxiety?
49 Answers
Moderated by Anna Pavia, psicologa psicoterapeuta psychotherapist psychologist counselor
Updated: Sep 27, 2016
Anonymous
on
Nov 17, 2014
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It all depends on the person or thing you are being separated from. If possible, Skype, texting, instant messaging, or emailing is a fantastic resource to keep in touch and therefore minimize the effects of separation anxiety. Also it can be helpful to keep a countdown of the days/months until you see this person and or thing again. Unfortunately if you can neither keep in touch with the person/thing nor do you know when you can see them again it can be more difficult. I would encourage you to find activities to engage in such as clubs, sports, or simply going out with friends. By staying active you are decreasing the amount of time you can think about the separation
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Erynn
on
Dec 19, 2014
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There are lots of ways to deal with anxiety. With separation, sometimes it really helps to distract yourself. There are many Big Distraction Lists online that can help you think of many ideas - you may want to try several. Grounding Techniques can help whenever you start to feel Really overwhelmed by an emotion. But, it's also important to talk about your emotions and/or write about them. Being able to understand why you are anxious (even if it's irrational) can help you to address your fears and learn ways to deal with the anxiety. Breathing and mindfulness may also be of use to you.
LiveToLetYouShine
on
Sep 16, 2014
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I've had a lot of troubles with separation anxiety because I have abandonment issues. Here are some things that help me:
*Write a letter to the person you're missing or anxious to be away from. Sending it is entirely optional!
*Distract yourself! My favorite thing is to watch something on Netflix, but it can be as simple as doing your homework. :)
*Hang out with some other friends, some people who will distract you from the anxiety of that one person or thing you're wanting to see the most.
*This is one of the less healthy alternatives, but if it comes down to it, attach yourself to something else. Something you can always have with you. Like a keychain, a piece of jewelry, or a stuffed animal.It could be a way to relieve the stress with an alternative.
Anonymous
on
Dec 2, 2014
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The most important thing for me was getting help. After meeting with my therapist, I felt fantastic!
Anonymous
on
Dec 29, 2014
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Remember that whoever you are separated from will see you once again, and they are not abandoning you for good.
Savana13
on
Jan 8, 2015
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Expose yourself to it slowly and it will go away slowly the more you face it and desensitize yourself to it.
Petrigore
on
Sep 25, 2014
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The best way is to keep busy! It's hard, but try to do something that occupies your mind and time. The separation will go by much faster if you're not watching the clock.
Wes2
on
Nov 4, 2014
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We live in a wonderful time! People in the 1800's would be out of luck. You have phone, text, Facebook, and Skype! But beyond that, take the separation as an opportunity to better define yourself and find outside interests. No one person should be solely defined by another person: partner, friend, or otherwise. Surround yourself with supportive peers and engaging hobbies, and make sure to live your life while the person you care so much about is away. If you can't, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship to that person.
RalphBG
on
Dec 7, 2014
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You can deal wit it by telling yourself that you're okay and tell yourself positive things. Focus on everything positive in your life. You could do some distractions, so he or she is off your mind for a while. Distractions can be music, reading, movies, socialising, anything you enjoy. I would also recommend meditation. That helps me a lot. :)
Blueangelz
on
Dec 17, 2014
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Do something that you enjoy to get your mind off whoever you're separated from. Whether it's listening to music or watching TV, anything will help.
HopeLeadsToTheLight
on
Dec 24, 2014
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The first step to deal with anxiety is acceptance. Only after one has accepted the situation, they will be able to cope with it. The more one runs away from it, the harder it tries to catch up. After that one has accepted it, it becomes easy to indulge in hobbies that you like which further helps in keeping thoughts that cause anxiety away.
PerfectlyIncomplete
on
Jan 6, 2015
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I deal with separation anxiety by placing my focus in the moment... where I'm at, my environment, what I'm doing.
Bcrystal818
on
May 2, 2015
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You can deal with separation anxiety by taking dry runs and practicing it before actually leaving that person.
Mimigloss
on
Jun 30, 2015
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Try to do things that occupy your time! Do other things you like to do (hobbies) and set a certain block of time for this person.
PeacefulSolutions
on
Aug 11, 2015
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Finding other ways of communication such as talking to them on the phone, or sending them notes, or just talking to other friends can help.
Blaine62
on
Jan 26, 2016
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It would depend on the severity of the problem. It may require therapy or possibly just by having a conversation with the person that you are having difficulty separating from
nlpinspiration
on
Mar 24, 2016
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Anxiety is a fear from something what will happen in near future by the current activity. A fear is bad emotion which is created by the though. Changing the thoughts about some actitivity leads to reducing anxiety
Anonymous
on
Apr 6, 2016
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Seperation anxiety is something you can work on through time. Find coping mechanisms and ways to stop these anxious feelings. Just remember that those who care about you will never leave forever.
Anonymous
on
Apr 7, 2016
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The real issue is spotting it. Separation anxiety at its extreme levels may be quite obvious. I was overwheled attached to a close relative to the point where I couldn't leave their side without experiencing a panic attack and i was suffering from separation anxiety. I was Excessively worried about losing these figures in my life. I had trouble sleeping. It felt like my quality of life was suffering dramatically.
Finding help was very important to me , I hated these feelings.The first step was admitting that I had a problem, One step was going to my doctor and getting medication cause I knew I couldn't do it myself. I need the help !! I also found group support that we could discuss our problems with each other.I found I am getting better each day. It's not easy but it is getting easier.
colourfulmiragee
on
Apr 20, 2016
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Reframe your thoughts as positive. Don't think negatively. If your partner is going on a business trip or your children are going away for higher studies rather than thinking you're all alone you can plan a good reunion.

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