I have separation anxiety and I am almost 25 years old! Wait- It gets worse. I get mildly anxious with change and am completely normal about leaving friends and family. But I have a difficult time leaving my dog! Going to work is fine but going out late with friends or traveling is just painful for me!! I have had my dog for almost six years now. Friends and boyfriends have come and gone but I have always had my dog. I think that's why he means so much to me!! (Plus I have a family history of anxiety disorders.) Please, Any suggestions on managing this??
2007-02-23 12:40:21 · 14 answers · asked by Delphi 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
All I can say is this is understandable. Our dogs give us so much unconditional love. My dog used to just sense when I was depressed, come over, and lick my hand (give me kisses). I miss her so much (she died). Maybe a counselor can help you to handle this because if it is concerning you to this degree, this 'separation anxiety' may be indicative of other stresses you are experiencing in life... you are just channeling them through an attachment to your pet... know what I mean?
2007-02-24 14:11:31 · answer #1 · answered by Jebbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Separation Anxiety In Adults
2016-10-04 23:57:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-25 14:49:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
n dogs, the most effective therapy for separation anxiety often involves a combination of behavior modification and anti-anxiety medication. It is likely that this would be true in the case of cats as well. Cat playing with food-dispensing ballIt may be possible to make the time surrounding the owner's departure less stressful for the cat, by making some changes in the normal routine. For 15 minutes prior to leaving and upon returning home, the owner should ignore the cat. Leaving a distracting toy can be helpful. An empty toilet paper roll with the ends closed off and holes in the sides can be filled with various types and sizes of treats, which will fall out as the cat plays with the roll. There are also commercial food-dispensing toys available which are used in similar ways, e.g., Kongs and Buster Cubes. Another option is to hide very tasty food treats (cooked chicken) in various places in the house. Other toys the cat especially likes should be taken out just before the owner leaves and put away once the owner returns. When the owner returns, the cat should basically be ignored for approximately 15 minutes. Making the cat's environment more stimulating may help, also. A comfortable perch that allows a view from a window can provide entertainment, especially if there is a bird feeder in sight. Climbing ledges or carpeted towers with attached toys can be fun also. Leaving a radio or TV on softly can be comforting; some cats enjoy "cat videos" with sounds and pictures of birds and other small creatures. Some cats may be less anxious with another animal in the house, but this depends on the individual cat and may or may not be a good solution. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may also be needed for a short time period. These medications may include Buspar, Prozac, and Clomicalm. These are not labeled specifically for use in cats, and their use must be prescribed and monitored by your veterinarian.
2016-03-16 00:06:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Separation Anxiety Disorder is only diagnosed to children regarding their own caretakers, but I understand the comparison.
Yours is quite obviously an anxiety problem, but it's also fairly normal to feel this way about a pet that depends on you. Just monitor how much it's affecting your daily activities and lifestyle. If you would say it's really inhibiting your activities and socialization, you may want to seek some professional advice.
2007-02-23 12:48:51 · answer #5 · answered by Buying is Voting 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of it with an adult but don't worry! It's totally normal I think! I get it all the time! What I do is I just get lost in whatever I am doing on a trip and soon I find myself home again with my pets! And sometimes I find it is helpful to call and talk to whoever is watching my pets.
2007-02-23 12:46:35 · answer #6 · answered by jackichanrules13 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try giving your dog a cookie whenever you leave him alone at night, and tell him that you'll be back before 'bedtime' ... then 'tuck him in' wherever he goes to sleep when you do go to bed. He's your 'true buddy' and you love him and there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. You don't have 'separation anxiety' ... you simply love your dog, and 'miss him' when you go out at a time that is usually 'you and him' together. And scratch his ear and get a kiss from him for me, please ... because I live in a 'no pets' apartment and I miss that sort of stuff ...
2007-02-23 12:51:21 · answer #7 · answered by Kris L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry I can not really help you I am fifty four and the last dog I had I never spent A night away from him, Except when I was hospitalized and could not help it,and then I worried about him. If I went to my sisters and he was not aloud in the house I slept in the car with him. I am not ashamed of it . He was my best friend. Where I went he went. i do miss him terribly but do not regret one minute I spent with him. I guess my advise is just enjoy every minute you can with your dog they leave us all to soon.
2007-02-23 12:56:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-22 23:31:21 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cure Social Anxiety Shyness : http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?rLYk
2016-06-20 19:52:20 · answer #10 · answered by Ismael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋