Is separation anxiety killing your relationship? Here’s how to deal with it

After being in a relationship with Ashwin for eight long years, Shivangi was convinced that nothing can come between them. From college sweethearts to becoming the most-talked about couple in the office, they had overcome many hurdles to reach a rock steady state in their relationship. So, when Ashwin was transferred to their US headquarters just months before their wedding, Shivangi grew a little concerned. As Ashwin date of departure came closer, Shivangi’s concern grew into worry, which slowly turned into panic. She started spending sleepless nights thinking about what the future had for them. Will the distance make them grow apart? What if something happened to him there? And after Ashwin left for his 2-year stint in the US office, Shivangi’s anxiety only grew worse—anytime her phone rang she jumped at it, she made calls to Ashwin at off hours and feel to remain connected drove her crazy. She finally visited a counsellor to treat her loss of sleep and was surprised to find that she was actually suffering from separation anxiety!

Yes, you read it right. Separation anxiety is real and you can, as the name suggests, actually suffer from anxiety at the thought of being separated from a loved one or a partner. While separation anxiety is a normal stage in an infant’s development, studies have proved that adults too suffer from this. Physical and emotional symptoms of separation anxiety include worrying obsessively about the loved one, having obsessive negative thoughts, repeated physical complaints like headache, sleep loss and in some rare cases people also complain of feeling nauseous. Some can get very possessive and this might make the other partner feel suffocated. Here are a few was to handle separation anxiety when you are away from your partner.

Communication is the key

We cannot stress enough on the importance of communniction for a healthy relationship. It becomes even more important for you to have good communication with a partner when you are suffering from separation anxiety. Otherwise, your partner may misinterpret your behaviour as something irrational and might grow withdrawn. Tell your partner what you are feeling, let him or her know how it is difficult for you to handle separation or even the thought of being separated. This way your parter would undeer stand your fear and anxiety and would definitely, work together to make you feel better.

Deep breathing exercises help

According to experts, deep breathing exercises help a lot to handle any kind of anxiety attack. During such moments when you are growing restless or are troubled by negative thoughts, just take deep breathes and concentrate on all the positive aspects of your life. Think about the good times you had with your partner, count your blessings and concentrate on the strengths of of your relationship. Slowly, the anxious feeling will recede.