How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Children

By Vera Brunner

It is normal for children to experience separation anxiety when they start leaving home for school.Separation anxiety is often compared to anxiety attacks that adults experience. However, there are some ways by which the anxiety can be reduced by teaching your children to cope with the condition.

As with other anxiety disorders, an understanding of the mechanisms of the condition is the first step towards a solution. Separation anxiety makes a child nervous and fearful, and it may condition them to think unrealistically. You can easily spot a child with separation anxiety when they frequently refuse to leave home or go to school without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. The child may even experience stomach pains, head aches, and regular irritability.

Experts at WebMD say that separation anxiety typically develops after a period of severe stress or a traumatic incident in the child's life. Anything from losing a pet to moving homes can trigger the symptoms of separation anxiety, so it's important to identify the symptoms and then create a plan to lower the feelings of fear and anxiety.

Medication and psychotherapy are the usual treatment options for separation anxiety. It is also important for the child's guardians to focus on the child's health and ensure that the child is eating properly and is getting enough rest. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest can lead to the development of other anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, a type of counseling, is one of the most effective and proven ways for treating anxiety in adults, and is also used to treat separation anxiety in children. This type of therapy focuses on helping the child become comfortable with being separated from their caregiver for longer and longer periods of time, and encourages the child to develop appropriate behaviors for dealing with leaving their family. Medication and herbal remedies may be an option for some children suffering from separation anxiety. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and herbal remedies that help to lower stress levels can help the child better cope with the situation and become more comfortable with the idea of being away from their parents or caregiver.

Even though there is no known way to prevent separation anxiety in children, there are several ways to manage the condition and encourage the child to adopt healthier behaviors and reactions. An holistic approach that includes diet and lifestyle changes, therapy and medication in extreme cases, may be the best option for many children who can't seem to overcome their anxiety. Treating this condition early can help the child become stronger and more independent, and allows them to develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress later in life. - 32513

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