“Mom, will you be in the line to pick me up?” “Can I sleep in your room tonight?” “I don’t want the babysitter!” “I can’t stay here!” Life is full of uncertainty, especially when you are a kid. Most kids experience some distress when they are separated from the safety and security of mom and dad at various times, especially when it is unfamiliar. Sometimes, as with any anxiety problem, the normal childhood worry escalates to the point of extreme distress. This powerful fear reaction is known as separation anxiety disorder. It can significantly impair your child academically, socially and emotionally. It can disrupt the life of a family. If you suspect your child may be suffering from this disorder, take a look at the symptoms below.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Children
• Anxiety when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or major attachment figure (usually mom or dad)
• Anxiety about losing attachment figure or harm to them (illness, disaster, death)
• Worry about terrible event like getting lost, kidnapped, an accident, illness that leads to separation
• Strong reluctance or refusal to go out, away from home, school, work or anywhere because of fear of separation
• Fear of being alone without attachment figure (ex. Home alone)
• Reluctance or refusal to sleep away from home or apart from nearby attachment figure
• Nightmares involving theme of separation
• Strong desire to sleep with or near parents
• Complaints of physical symptoms when facing or experiencing separation (ex. Headaches, stomachaches, etc.)
These symptoms must be very persistent and lasting at least 4 weeks in kids.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from separation anxiety, take our anxiety symptoms test and get immediate results.
