Wednesday, 2010-03-10
| Dealing With Separation Anxiety In Children |
| Written by Kristina Crosby |
| Thursday, 29 October 2009 16:39 |
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Separation anxiety affects most children, especially when they first start school or be away from home for an extended period. The symptoms experienced by children with separation anxiety are similar to the symptoms experienced by adults during a panic attack: extreme fear, inability to relax or sleep, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. There are some methods that are effective in coping with the condition, and you can easily teach these to your child.
Separation anxiety affects most children, especially when they first start school or be away from home for an extended period. The symptoms experienced by children with separation anxiety are similar to the symptoms experienced by adults during a panic attack: extreme fear, inability to relax or sleep, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. There are some methods that are effective in coping with the condition, and you can easily teach these to your child. The condition cannot be effectively addressed without first knowing the symptoms and causes of the condition. The major symptoms of separation anxiety are fear and nervousness. Other symptoms include refusal to leave the home, headaches, temper tantrums and even nightmares about being separated. The condition may often develop after a child experience a stressful event. The stressful even could be anything from being scolded or losing a toy, so it is important to immediately identify any symptoms and treat them accordingly. 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. One of the treatments mentioned above is psychotherapy. The primary aim of psychotherapy is to make children at ease with separating from their parents and in the process, develop new healthy behaviors in response to separation. Medications and nutritional or herbal supplements may also be a viable option for separation anxiety. What these does is to lower the anxiety of a child allowing him or her to better handle the situation. 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. About the Author: Millions of people suffer from panic disorders that can occur when in public or just travelling away from home. Now there is a drug free anxiety treatment that can help you to overcome the unsettling thoughts that can lead to panic attacks. |