Anxiety (including separation anxiety)

Most people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives.

But if anxiety stays for long periods of time, is out of proportion to the situation, or affects your day-to-day life you may need to seek professional support.

Anxiety

Anxiety is heightened feelings of worry and panic which is usually accompanied by physiological body responses which vary from person to person, usually including:  

• a racing heart  
• feeling short of breath 
• tightness in chest 
• difficulty swallowing 
• feeling agitated and distressed 
• feeling shaky 
• sweating and feeling sick 
• faint or lightheaded  
• flushed or hot 

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a term used to explain a feeling of anxiety or stress which is experienced when a CYP is away from parents/family/guardians, for example, when they are at school.

Fear of separation can also cause anxiety-related behaviours which can progress into adulthood. Some of the most common signs of separation anxiety include:

• Clinging to parents
• Extreme and severe crying
• Refusal to do things that require separation
• Physical illness, such as headaches or vomiting
• Violent, emotional temper tantrums
• Poor school performance
• Refusing to sleep alone
• Nightmares