Separation anxiety in adults?
Question:
I suffer severe separation anxiety when apart form my husband. I have panic attacks and suffer severe anxiety most of the time. I have not found therapists any help at all, they have said 'i will grow up in my own time.' this is a real problem for me, I've looked through books to try to learn how to overcome this but all i can find is childrens anxiety. Surely I cant be the only adult to suffer from this? I am 25.
Any help would be appreciated
Answers:
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I'm very surprised at the terapist's response! Totally uncalled for. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and separation anxiety:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and separation anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really make a difference if you practise often enough (i.e. twice a day). They will also help you sleep better if done at bedtime. You can get free downloads online. E.g.: http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/c...
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
Sure, why not! I have them all the time when I have to go in to my job and leave my pet dog at home for 12 hours at a time! I sometimes cry and worry alot about him!
Another dumb invented term. Don't listen to those psychiatric psychos. They're best suited for treating one another, after the doors are locked at 5 pm.
You either have Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia or Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia, depending on whether or not you are unwilling to leave the home. It's likely that you have formed a dependency upon your husband, and his departure triggers the panic attacks. Find a therapist that is good with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and they can give you tools to manage and overcome the panic attacks. For quick relief, there are medications.
are you dependent on him for everything?
do you not work?
is he the sole bread winner?
if your answer is yes, then you are just scared he will leave you.
get a hubby of your own, try to make some friends, get a job, even if it is for 1day a week, just do something of ur own, make him see you in a new light as a capable and independent woman.
i've been there and i know how you feel, it's all down to having some confidence and believing in yourself. good luck.
just think right, drink plenty of water
its just like moving to the next level
it happens to everyone. it takes time to get on steady ground especially when you're dealing with an anxiety disorder. the best things to do is keep yourself busy. go cycling, draw, paint, whatever. the more you stay busy the less your mind wanders. check out some books on anxiety disorders and you'll be surprised on what they have to offer.
I have the exact same thing, I suffer from anxiety in various situations but separation is the worst, I cannot stay away from my partner either. I am unable to control my panic attacks so I simply avoid these situations. I am afraid I don't have a solution, doctors wanted to put me on anti-depressants. I just wanted you to know It's not uncommon and you are not alone, I'm 23.
I started having terrifying panic attacks every day, just out of the blue in August, 2006. They were absolutely horrible, and I have two small children to take care of while dealing with the panic. I went until December, 2006, literally suffering, and then I was lucky enough to find a book called Panic Away. It came with a money back guarantee, and promised to rid you of panic attacks forever. I asked my husband if it was ok to order it and he said to do it. Well, I ordered it, downloaded it and read it in the same day. After reading it I can tell you that I will never have another panic attack. I was having them daily and haven't had one since the day I got the book (two months now). The book is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers them.
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