Now that I've specified which anxiety disorder, what are some methods that may help?
1. Transition gradually (baby steps, focus on small victories) One of the most important things regarding separation anxiety disorders is recognizing that children feel insecure and unsafe in situations without their parents or whomever they feel attached to. Starting small, and celebrating small victories as they come, can help build a child's independent confidence. For example, start by leaving for periods of 5, 10, 15 minutes to run an errand, and when they feel more comfortable with that, work up to longer periods of time, working up to extended periods with a babysitter that the child trusts and feels comfortable with. With each small hurdle tackled, always offer praise and express your happiness with their achievements. 2. Work on establishing successful distractions In school, separation anxiety can make mornings stressful and problematic. Teachers and parents should work together to come up with ideas and develop distractions to help children with SAD move on and refocus their attention after a parent leaves. 3. recognize their worries, and redirect them to more realistic outcomes Often times, separation anxiety is accompanied by thoughts of worst case scenarios regarding their loved ones. For example, a child may become anxious when their mother is not with them because they fear for their safety. By recognizing this, and helping the child realize that the likelihood of these worries coming true are very slim, their anxiety may gradually subside.