SAD, or Separation Anxiety Disorder, is a specific kind of mental health issue. A youngster who suffers from SAD is extremely concerned about being apart from their family or other important individuals. The youngster fears being separated from their family. Or, if they are not present, of anything horrible happening to a family member. All kids and teenagers experience some anxiety.
It is a typical stage of development. Children who are very young frequently experience separation anxiety. The majority of kids between the ages of 18 months and 3 suffer from separation anxiety. They have a tendency to cling. Yet, SAD symptoms are more severe. For a kid to be identified with SAD, the symptoms must have persisted for at a minimum four weeks. A kid with SAD has concerns and anxiety that are inappropriate for their age about being away from home or family.
About Separation Anxiety Disorder
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), it is important to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychologist. Searching for “psychologist near me” can help you find qualified professionals in your area who specialize in treating childhood anxiety disorders.
A psychologist can work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and/or medication management. They can also provide support and guidance to help you and your child manage the symptoms of SAD and improve your overall well-being. By working with a psychologist near me, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to help your child overcome their anxiety and thrive in their daily life.
Expert View
According to experts, environmental and biological variables contribute to SAD. Anxiety tendencies can run in a family. Most likely out of balance in the brain are the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Members of the family and other people can teach a youngster about worry and dread. SAD might also result from a traumatic incident. SAD affects both men and women equally. But nevertheless, children who have an anxiety illness in one of their parents are more likely to get SAD.
By the third and fourth grade, SAD’s initial signs and symptoms frequently emerge. They could begin after an absence from school, such the summer or vacation season, or during a protracted illness. Each child may have a different set of symptoms. Nonetheless, the most typical symptoms of SAD include unable to sleep alone themselves, dreams that keep returning with a separation theme, concern while apart from family or home.
Family Support
Concern for a family member’s safety is becoming too great, excessive anxiety over being apart from relatives refusal to attend school, hesitant and anxious to be alone themselves, recurring headaches, stomach aches, or other bodily discomfort, muscle tension or pains, worrying excessively about one’s own safety. SAD symptoms might resemble those of other medical conditions. Make ensure that your child is diagnosed by a doctor.
SAD can be identified by a specialist doctor or other psychologist. He or she will evaluate the mental health of your kid. Your child’s anxiety or concern over being apart from members of the family must endure for at least four weeks in order for SAD to be diagnosed. Your kid may be examined by your main healthcare provider if they notice physical concerns in order to rule out other potential reasons of these symptoms.
Reason Behind Anxiety
- You have a significant influence on your child’s care as a parent. Everything one can do to assist is listed below:
- Keep all of your scheduled visits with the doctor for your child.
- Reassure and encourage your youngster. Promote independence in accordance with age.
- Identify the circumstances that can anxiety your youngster. You may help your child be successful by anticipating their worries and preparing them for them.
- Mention your child’s SAD to others. Create a treatment plan with the help of your child’s doctor, school, and other relevant parties. Inform instructors that your child will occasionally want additional consolation and assistance.
- Request assistance from the neighbourhood community services. It may be beneficial to stay in touch with other parents whose children suffer from SAD.
SAD is a specific kind of mental health issue. A youngster who suffers from SAD is extremely concerned about losing touch with their family or other important individuals. SAD has both environmental and biological causes. SAD symptoms are more severe than the typical separation anxiety that almost every kid experiences between both the ages of 18 months and three years. For a kid to be diagnosed with SAD, the symptoms must persist for at least 4 weeks. To diagnose SAD, a mental health assessment is necessary. Both therapy and medications are used in treatment.
Take Help Of healthcare professional
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), it is important to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychologist. With the rise of online counselling, it is now easier than ever to access mental health services from the comfort of your own home. Online counselling allows you to connect with a qualified mental health professional through video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms.
This can be especially beneficial for individuals who live in remote areas or have limited access to in-person counseling services. Online counselling sessions can provide the same level of support and guidance as in-person sessions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and medication management. By working with an online counselor, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to help your child overcome their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
The course of treatment will be influenced by the symptoms of your kid’s age, and general health.
SAD is often treated with a combination of the following:
- The cognitive behavioural approach: A youngster who receives this treatment can acquire stronger coping mechanisms for anxiety. Also, a child’s ability to control events that can trigger anxiety is a goal.
- Medicines: Some kids may get a calming effect from antidepressant or antianxiety medication.
- Family counselling: With every type of treatment, parents are essential.
- Feedback from the school: Caregiving may also involve a child’s school.
The best way to stop SAD in kids and teenagers is unknown to experts. Although if a child exhibits symptoms of SAD, one can help by having them evaluated as soon as you can. Early intervention can improve your child’s normal development while reducing symptoms. Also, it can enhance their child’s quality of life.
