I wonder if anyone else feels a little uneasy when reflecting on separation anxiety. It’s not something we often talk about, especially when we think of those big milestones in life. I remember a time not too long ago when I found myself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of being apart from loved ones—something I hadn’t experienced in years.
It caught me off guard, to be honest. I mean, I’ve always prided myself on being independent and self-sufficient. But, during certain moments, like when my kids moved out or when my partner went on a trip, I felt a knot in my stomach. It was like this persistent worry that, if I wasn’t close to them, something would go wrong. Did I ever feel that way before? Sure, maybe during childhood, but I thought I’d outgrown it.
I started to notice some familiar symptoms creeping up on me—restlessness, irritability, and even some physical sensations like tightness in my chest. It was fascinating (and a bit alarming) how these feelings could bubble up after all these years. I began to wonder if it was just a phase or something more deeply rooted. Maybe it was a reminder of how much I value those connections or perhaps a sign that I needed to work on being okay with the distance.
I’ve found that talking about these feelings helps. When I opened up to a friend about it, I was surprised to hear that he had gone through similar experiences. It made me realize how common these feelings can be, regardless of age. So, it’s okay to admit when you’re feeling anxious about separation.
What about you all? Have you experienced separation anxiety yourself? How do you cope with those feelings when they arise? I think sharing our stories can really help us all feel less alone in this.