{"id":103755,"date":"2024-08-16T08:15:45","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T08:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=103755"},"modified":"2025-04-08T09:17:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T09:17:48","slug":"separation-anxiety-in-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/separation-anxiety-in-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"Separation Anxiety From Partner: Symptoms, Causes & How to Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Worried<\/p>\n

You and your partner have been inseparable, sharing every moment and building a life together. But now, one of you has to leave for a week-long <\/span>business trip<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, your stomach is in knots, and you can’t shake the uneasy feeling of being apart. This nagging worry, this intense discomfort—could it be separation anxiety from a partner?<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of dread when your loved one leaves?<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about their safety and well-being when they’re not around? <\/span><\/p>\n

Is it hard to focus on anything else until they’re back by your side? <\/span><\/p>\n

Separation anxiety in adults from partners is more common than you might think. <\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, <\/span>Separation anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a> (SAD) is commonly seen in adults with anxiety and mood disorders, with prevalence rates ranging between 12% and 20% in two clinical samples.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

So, what can you do about it? <\/span><\/p>\n

This article explores the symptoms of separation anxiety, its underlying causes, and practical ways to cope. Whether you’re struggling yourself or trying to support a partner who is, understanding this anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>BPD Separation Anxiety: Causes, Impacts, and Coping<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>What is separation anxiety in relationships?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Separation anxiety isn’t just a childhood issue; it can deeply affect adults, especially in relationships.<\/b> Imagine feeling a wave of panic or an intense worry every time you and your partner are apart. This is what separation anxiety from a partner feels like.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research highlight =<\/b> Recent evidence indicates that adults can suffer from moderate to severe separation anxiety. A <\/span>research article<\/span><\/a> on adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) suggests that those with ASAD may exhibit more pronounced symptoms of depression and stress, higher neuroticism scores, and increased levels of disability.<\/span><\/p>\n

In relationships, this anxiety can show up in different ways: incessant texting or calling to check in, seeking constant reassurance, or even experiencing physical symptoms like a pounding heart or a knot in your stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz<\/span><\/a>, LCSW:<\/span><\/p>\n

People with separation anxiety are often fearful that something harmful will happen to loved ones during separation, which can make being apart feel terrifying.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It’s more than just missing your partner; it’s a relentless fear that something might go wrong when you’re not together.<\/b><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>4 Signs of New Relationship Anxiety and How to Overcome Them<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>5 major separation anxiety symptoms in relationships<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Worried<\/p>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> says that adults experience anxiety in response to actual or anticipated separation from their children, spouses, or romantic partners.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

Separation anxiety from a partner can be a daunting task to face. It’s a real and challenging issue that can manifest in numerous ways, often creating hurdles in even the strongest relationships.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s understand the major symptoms and their types:<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n
  1. Intense worry and fear:<\/b> Constantly worrying about your partner’s well-being or fearing that something bad will happen when you’re apart is a hallmark of separation anxiety from partner.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Overwhelming sadness:<\/b> Feeling excessively sad or even experiencing episodes of crying when your partner is not around.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>

    Physical symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n
    1. Physical discomfort:<\/b> Separation anxiety from a spouse can cause physical reactions such as stomachaches, headaches, or a racing heart when separated.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>

      Dr. Jenni Schulz highlights that:<\/p>\n

      Physical or somatic symptoms of anxiety are common, and they occur when intense emotions manifest as aches, pains, or discomfort within the body.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      Behavioral symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n
      1. Clinginess and overcommunication:<\/b> The need to constantly call or text your partner, seeking reassurance, can be a significant behavioral sign of separation anxiety from partner. This can sometimes lead to tension and misunderstandings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>

        Cognitive symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n
        1. Intrusive thoughts:<\/b> Experiencing <\/span>persistent, unwanted thoughts<\/span><\/a> about something terrible happening to your partner or your relationship can be exhausting and mentally draining.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>

          <\/span>What causes separation anxiety in couples?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

          Separation anxiety in couples is a multifaceted issue with various underlying causes. Let’s walk through some of the main reasons why this happens.<\/span><\/p>\n

          1. Attachment styles<\/b><\/h3>\n

          One of the primary reasons for separation anxiety from a partner is rooted in <\/span>our attachment styles, which develop early in life.<\/b> Individuals with an anxious attachment style often fear abandonment and have a deep need for closeness and reassurance. <\/b><\/p>\n

          When they’re apart from their partner, this fear can trigger separation anxiety. This manifests as a constant need to check in, worry about the relationship’s stability, and feel an overwhelming sense of dread when not together.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Kim Sage Answers how attachment anxiety sabotages your relationships. Watch the video:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n