Separating from parents can be a little heartbreaking even though it is for a small period. But if you get anxious every time your parents travel alone then you might be suffering from a separation anxiety disorder.

Separation anxiety disorder occurs when the individual experience excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached. As a result of this routine period of separation, the adult may experience worry about being apart from their parents, have nightmares, constantly worry about their emotional wellness well-being, struggle with physical complaints, and other symptoms all of which significantly impact their lives.

Even though you have a fear to be separated from your family what you can do is talk to them about your fears or get expert therapy to improve your mental health conditions. You need to understand that getting therapy is not something bad but it is only beneficial to you and also for your love ones.

Here are a few methods on how you can cope with your anxiety.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Sometimes your anxiety can be genetic but treatment is always available regardless of how old you are, and where you are in terms of your anxiety. Treatment aims at healthy coping skills as a way to work through the negative thought cycle that leads to anxiety. CBT is one of the most commonly used and widely accepted psychotherapy treatments for anxiety. This treatment modality uses a combination of interventions such as worry exposure, applied relaxation, psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills to educate the individual about their triggers and symptoms and then uses behavioral modifications to release their irrational thoughts and anxiety triggers.
• Talk with your parents When you are suffering from anxiety or any mental or health issues it’s very important to talk with your parents. They have a greater solution to it because they had already passed that phase and know exactly how to help you. And during anxiety when you have someone to talk to then you feel that a very huge burden is relieved from your shoulders and in some way, you feel much better. Especially in the case of separation anxiety, you need to talk things with your parents so that they can understand your behavior and can find out the possible solutions for your anger, stress, and fear.
• You can join support groups So, support groups are a bunch of people coming together to talk with each other about similar issues and help each other to cope with their problems. Support groups are the best option to connect with people who face similar problems and are there to find solutions for their problems.
• Exposure therapy for anxiety Exposure therapy is a type of CBT in which the individual is exposed to the trigger or threat a repeated number of times until the feared stimulus or response is eliminated. Exposing an individual who becomes anxious in congested spaces to images of crowded malls or train stations is an example of imaginal exposure therapy. Over time this individual will become more comfortable with the image and will be able to venture into crowded areas without having this unrealistic fear.

You just need to get out of your comfort zone if you need to improve your condition. A little fear is natural but being completely obsessive about things is wrong and you must take action as soon as possible. Sometimes what people say might affect our actions but you have to understand that you are what matters the most and your mental peace should be your priority and not about other people’s opinions.

If you're looking for a place to voice your concerns without judgment, please visit the Clarity App for clarification.