Separation Anxiety in Children: A Case Study of a 7-Year-Old Girl

Q: Separation Anxiety in Children: A Case Study of a 7-Year-Old Girl

Hello： The child may be experiencing anxiety symptoms related to a transitional period. <br>It is recommended that caregivers first stabilize their own emotions and respond patiently and clearly when the child asks questions. <br>Preparing the child's favorite snacks for them to

A 7-year-old girl appears to be experiencing separation anxiety?

Due to the previous pandemic, she has been at home for more than two months, mostly accompanied by her mother.
Starting from the end of July, she began attending an after-school program, but when she started classes in early August, she would cry.
Sometimes she repeatedly asks her mother what time she will come to pick her up at night.
At the after-school program, she also suddenly thinks of negative things and cries, possibly several times.
The teachers say they try to comfort her, but her mood swings are significant.
She also expresses fears about her mother getting into a motorcycle accident, which makes her cry.
When watching TV, if she sees someone sick, she says she doesn't want to watch because it makes her think of bad things.
At night, when going to sleep, she mentions thinking of negative scenarios, such as her mother dying or a burglar breaking into their home.
I have been gradually telling her to do other activities to distract herself when such thoughts arise.
She says she is trying hard not to think about these things, but she still ends up crying.
Previously, during a school semester, she also experienced a brief two-week period where she would cry in the morning and say she didn’t want to go to class, but she improved after two weeks.
This time, it seems to be more severe.

Pei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/06

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: The child may be experiencing anxiety symptoms related to a transitional period.
It is recommended that caregivers first stabilize their own emotions and respond patiently and clearly when the child asks questions.
Preparing the child's favorite snacks for them to enjoy together upon returning home each day can help create a warm parent-child interaction time.
After a period of time, as the child realizes that their worries are unfounded and they consistently have warm and joyful moments each day, their emotions will typically begin to stabilize.

Reply Date: 2021/08/06

More Info

Separation anxiety is a common issue among children, particularly in transitional periods such as starting school or returning to a new routine after a significant disruption, like the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of the 7-year-old girl described, her symptoms of separation anxiety have manifested in various ways, including excessive crying, fear of losing her mother, and intrusive thoughts about negative outcomes. These behaviors can be distressing for both the child and the caregivers, and understanding how to address them is crucial.

Understanding Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached. In children, this can manifest as crying, tantrums, or physical complaints when faced with separation. The girl's experience of crying when her mother leaves, asking repeatedly when she will return, and expressing fears about her mother's safety are all indicative of separation anxiety.
The pandemic has likely exacerbated her anxiety, as she spent a prolonged period at home with her mother, creating a strong attachment. The transition back to school and the presence of new caregivers can trigger feelings of insecurity and fear, leading to the symptoms observed.

Strategies for Coping with Separation Anxiety
1. Establish a Routine: Children thrive on predictability. Creating a consistent daily routine can help the child feel more secure. This includes regular times for waking up, meals, school, and bedtime. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety.

2. Practice Short Separations: Gradually increasing the time apart can help the child acclimate to separation. Start with short periods where the mother leaves the room and gradually extend this time. This can help the child learn that separations are temporary and that they will be reunited.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Encourage the child when she manages to cope with separation, even if it’s just for a short time. Praise her efforts and provide rewards for small successes, which can boost her confidence.

4. Discuss Feelings: Encourage open discussions about her fears. Validate her feelings by acknowledging that it’s okay to feel scared. Help her articulate her fears and discuss them in a safe space. This can help demystify her worries and reduce their power.

5. Teach Coping Strategies: Help her develop coping mechanisms for when she feels anxious. This could include deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques (imagining a safe place), or distraction techniques (focusing on a favorite toy or activity).

6. Create a Goodbye Ritual: Establishing a special goodbye ritual can provide comfort. This could be a special hug, a wave from the window, or a secret handshake. Rituals can provide a sense of security and predictability.

7. Seek Professional Help: If the anxiety persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to consult a child psychologist or counselor. Professional support can provide tailored strategies and interventions to help the child cope with her anxiety.

Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood development, especially during transitions. The key is to provide support, understanding, and reassurance. By implementing structured routines, encouraging open communication about feelings, and gradually exposing the child to separations, caregivers can help the child navigate her fears. If the anxiety continues to interfere with her daily life, seeking professional guidance can be an important step in ensuring her emotional well-being.

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