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 can trigger a number of behaviors that mimic panic disorder and extreme anxiety in adults including uncontrollable crying, inability to sleep, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of impending doom or disaster. However, there are some ways by which the anxiety can be reduced by teaching your children to cope with the condition.

Understanding the fundamental symptoms of separation anxiety in children is the first step to addressing 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.

Experts at WebMD say that separation anxiety typically develops after a period of severe stress or a traumatic incident in the child’s life. Anything from losing a pet to moving homes can trigger the symptoms of separation anxiety, so it’s important to identify the symptoms and then create a plan to lower the feelings of fear and anxiety. Anxiety treatment methods may include medication and psychotherapy. Parents and guardians also need to minimize the stress experienced by the child and ensure that the child is getting proper nutrition and adequate rest appropriate for the age of the child. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest can lead to the development of other anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy involves a counseling session with a psychologist or psychiatrist and has been effective in treating anxiety in both adults and children. Psychotherapy aims to make a child comfortable with the idea of separating from his guardians and fostering new coping mechanisms. In some cases, giving medications and herbal remedies may be an effective method for lowering the stress levels of children, thus freeing their minds to come up with a healthier coping behavior.

It is important to remember that there are no known methods for preventing separation anxiety. Your best recourse is just to help the child in managing the condition. Children who are having difficulty with adjusting can undergo a more thorough option involving behavioral therapy, nutritional and dietary changes, and medication. 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.