Do You Experience Separation Anxiety?

[Jim]

With spouse, parents, children and so forth - do you have troubles whilst you are away from them overnight or longer? Get anxious, worry about anyone or feel very homesick for them? Much appreciated for your answers.

Jim.

[hodge]

I voted "yes, moderately," because I think "severe" overstates what I experience. In truth, I think it's someplace in between.

Before the ptsd symptoms kicked in hard a few years ago, I used to actually look forward a bit to having the house to myself when my husband makes the rare overnight trip away. Now I have a very difficult time with it. My anxiety goes way up. I don't feel safe being alone. I sleep (when I can) on the couch with our animals around me. Plus I'd rather be on the main floor, where I can monitor the doors, than in our upstairs back bedroom. In general, I feel quite restless and agitated when he's gone, even for a few hours.

[anthony]

I had to go sometimes, not always, as that is what I feel being away from my kids constantly. It is an issue for me, though I "cope" with it, it does create some instability within me being away from them.

[becvan]

Yes, I put very severe. I was sick for a long time after Matt was in the hospital and when he does sleep overs, I don't even sleep I'm so ill with worry.

I can not be separated from my dog at all. I have to take drugs so I don't flip out.

bec

[Marlene]

I voted yes to moderate. Whenever my husband is out of town or one of my girls isn't home overnight, I just feel off and everything's not right. I tend to not sleep well those nights. Although I'm getting better about my oldest being away from home for a day or two.

Lisa

[nie]

I voted yes, severe. I have only been away from my husband over night once during our 7.5 years of marriage. I had to go away for 5 days with my job, taking our students to a camp. I cried every night. I couldn't sleep. Even when he has to be out late with work I get anxious. It is not that I worry about what he is doing, it is that I worry about what could happen to me at home alone. I get very anxious to be away from him for very long as well. I would say that I think I am getting better at this now that I have been in therapy since March. I am actually going to try to go away for a day with my dad to see my new nephew. I am anxious, but I am going to try it. I think that it will be a good test to see if I am making progress. Then perhaps I could say that it is moderate, but now I would still say severe.

[Awakening]

Yes, yes & yes - severe.
I can hardly talk about it, I get freaked out now just thinking about it.
Mine is mainly with my therapist, but can also be with loved ones namely my husband.

[Kathy]

Thank you to all who have answered thus far! Once again, another instance where Jim and I thought our daughter was the only one, or at least one of very few. We must continue to post polls, it explains so much to us!

[batgirl]

I voted severe. I can't stand being away from my family at all, especially my dad. I totally flip out.

[veiled]

I am not sure I can really vote on this. Sorry, the question was to vague for me to accurately answer.

If I have high stress then a break for a day or so from the kids is just what I need. But beyond that I am losing it "are they OK?" Little one goes to grandparents 2 days a week during work week so I get a break from kids. This week she has to go all week due to appointments for dentist and if I go and have an attack in front of her, which would happen there, I would make her scared. So I am worried to no end and miss her even though she is returned every afternoon.

Hubs... Used to I had to call 10 times a day and he had to call me when leaving from work and announce if he was running late. He had to call upon arrival to know he was OK too. I am worlds better with this. If he has to go out of town for training for a few days I lose it. I would lose it if gone 1 night. I really need him around as he holds me together and is my world. Now I don't get running late calls but I am a total wreck 5 minutes past his normal arrival. My stress is obvious apparently as little one was crying when he was an hour late swearing her daddy was never coming home. When I am high stress mode I have to be up his butt unlike the kids (but in laws are great so I think that is why kiddie break is good for me). I lose control and he is great at helping me regain it.

My teen girl, I worry about but last thing I really want (may sound very unmotherly) is her back in my house. She purposely triggered me and thought it was flipping hilarious. As much as I can't wait for grandkids I hope this one is sterile. She is down right chilly to be around and even scared me.

My 9 YO who moved out to his dad when I moved I am in angst over. It breaks my heart and always worry about him and count days to when I see him, we talk everyday on vid chat. But his daddy and grandparents are all wonderful to him. Still lots of anxiety.

It really depends on the circumstance and who it is in my family, and being it is a big family it is different depending who it is.

I just know hubs I do have major issues over, and for me depends on which kids and circumstance.

Sorry I did not vote but went to add comments instead.

[kers]

I'm the first "no"! I think it's because I work so hard to not get attached to anyone--no attachment, no separation anxiety.

[Lisa]

I have been inconsolable upon leaving Richard, who I consider my surrogate father. If he calls later than I knew he would, I get into a right state thinking he's died!

[grace5555]

Thanks for mentioning your dog, Bec - It is extremely difficult for me to be separated from my dog. I also get horribly anxious when my godmother or therapist are out of town. Any changes at all and I freak - nice to know I am not the only one although I would not wish this on anyone. =\

[batgirl]

I love my dog too Grace. My old cat as well. When I go away I really miss them, and I feel sorry for them because I know they miss me too. I understand the separation anxiety from animal companions, that is so true and I'm glad Bec mentioned it.