Separation Anxiety Disorder-Not Just For Dogs

Most of America can say that they are burdened with the pains of anxiety and depression. Half of America most likely doesn't know they even suffer from anxiety or depression. I recently found myself researching a type of anxiety I have never heard before; separation anxiety disorder. For those who know this term the first thought they may pop into your mind is dogs. Separation anxiety disorder is found in most of our beloved pets. This explains why we see our furry friends running to the window the moment we leave, and when a family member leaves the house for a few days why they will not eat.

What I found to be the most intriguing (other than the fact that even dogs can have anxiety), was that we too can experience this. It is most common in people who have lost family members at young ages, or people who dealt with the feeling of neglect since childhood. In people who suffer from separation anxiety, the symptoms may seem as just depression. Common symptoms are lose of appetite, a feeling of losing someone, feeling nervous, and feeling as if you cannot protect yourself. These symptoms, of course, usually only occur when someone you love has either passed away, has left for a short period of time, to leaving for "good' (possibly a separation or divorce).

When you suffer from separation anxiety you often have the feeling as if you are unable to protect yourself and the said person that is there the most, other than yourself, is the only one who can give you the sense of protection. It may seem as if these people could be classified as "obsessed", but that usually is not the case. These people become used to the fact of have whomever around 24/7. It is always like taking a smokers pack of cigarettes away. They become irritable, depressed, and often have the feeling that they are hopeless.

So maybe it isn't being "obsessed", but being "addicted". It sounds strange, but is completely possibly. The last series of 'Dr. Drew's Sex Rehad' show that was hosted on VH1, I recall him telling on his patients that she was "addicted" to her partner. Also he said that often when people deal with drug and alcohol abuse, and over come it, they seek a new addiction in people.

This all made me see the way people react in relationships differently. I truly believe that psychiatrists and therapists should stay considering 'Separation Anxiety Disorder' for more people.