Children often experience some degree of separation anxiety when they are starting school or are going to be away from their parents or home for a long period of time. 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.Some of the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder include the refusal to go to school so that they can stay home with their parents or babysitter, frequent nightmares about being separated, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches, and frequent temper tantrums.

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. Separation anxiety treatment options in children include psychotherapy and medication. 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. If a child is not sleeping or eating properly, they may be vulnerable to developing different degrees of anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy involves a counseling session with a psychologist or psychiatrist and has been effective in treating anxiety in both adults and children. 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. 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 adapt healthier behaviors and reactions. A 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.