Why Does the Fear of Being Away from Loved Ones Become So Strong?
By Gunja Maurya (Therapist)
We all feel connected to the people who are close to us. It is normal to feel a little worried or uncomfortable when someone we love goes away for some time. But for some people, being away from a loved one can create intense fear and anxiety. They may constantly worry that something bad might happen to the person or that the person might leave them.
This kind of excessive and persistent worry is known as Separation Anxiety. When this anxiety becomes severe and starts affecting a person’s daily life, it may be considered Separation Anxiety Disorder.
A person with separation anxiety may find it difficult to stay alone. They may constantly worry about whether their parents, partner, or another close person is safe. They may feel the need to call or message them repeatedly. Some people may have difficulty sleeping alone or may avoid places where they have to stay away from someone they are emotionally attached to.
In children, separation anxiety may become noticeable when they have to go to school. A child may cry when separated from their parents, refuse to go to school, or repeatedly ask to go back home. In adults, this anxiety can affect relationships, work, and everyday decisions.
There can be different reasons behind separation anxiety. Childhood experiences, the loss of someone close, an anxious family environment, or major changes in life may contribute to it. However, the reasons can be different for every person.
Most importantly, loving someone deeply and feeling uncomfortable when they are away does not automatically mean having a disorder. It becomes a concern when the fear becomes excessive and starts interfering with a person’s normal life.
