Does anyone else experience adult separation anxiety?

[joystir59]

I think I suffer from the above and have done all my adult life. If my partner and I are apart I really struggle if I'm due to hear from her and don't. Awful thoughts and doubts start plaguing me. Then I hear from her and I'm ok for a few hours, and then it all starts again. It's crippling as I can't sleep well when she's away anyway so get really tired which makes the anxiety worse. I struggle to get on with my normal life, can't focus, feel miserable, and barely stop myself from panicking. Anyone else experience this and got help? What worked for you?

Anyone out there?

Have you had any therapy?

Simple to say but I spent more uninterrupted time on my own. It started with baby steps though. Can you get through 30 mins? Then slowly increase.

I think also having a transitional object will help and it's not just for children. Something you associate with your partner. It could be a small stone or a keyring anything that reminds you of them and helps bring that feeling of safety.

Thank you. I'm thinking I need to take up a new challenge to increase my own resilience and confidence.

I'm going to go to yoga, which I've done before and found really helpful, and perhaps start driving again which is scary but will give me an increased sense of freedom

And then maybe CBT. I like your suggestion of a transitional object. I took a deep sniff of her abandoned t shirt yesterday, which was lovely. She is back now, bang on time, and all is well in my world, but I can't stand these anxious feelings on the few occasions she goes away.

I've had CBT before, and some Jungian therapy, both have helped me, but I still experience separation anxiety which I struggle to control. Before CBT it would turn into dreadful panic.