Childhood Separation Anxiety: How Therapy Can Help You

Separation anxiety disorder is a condition beginning in infants as early as seven months old. At this stage, a baby can recognize who his or her parents are and understand that they will always be there even when out of sight. In childhood, separation anxiety affects a child’s behavior and coping skills. A number of strategies can be used to help a child overcome the disorder and be able to develop more independence.

Medication

If psychotherapy fails, there are medications which can be helpful in some circumstances, especially when the child’s anxiety is severe. Certain medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work to maintain high serotonin levels in the brain since serotonin is one of the major message-carriers. If these messages can keep coming through, it is believed the cells made dormant by anxiety will reactivate and ease an anxious child.

Teach Your Child About Separation Anxiety

Having engaging and open discussions with children about their anxiety can empower them to take action. Once they have the tools and knowledge, they will be better equipped to deal with it. Allowing them to understand it is okay to have a small bit of anxiety when they are dropped off at school is as important as providing coping mechanisms. For example, anxiety can be likened to a thermostat. When the temperature is too high, it can be turned down.