{"id":74270,"date":"2022-01-31T17:58:38","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T17:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=74270"},"modified":"2024-08-23T08:00:50","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T08:00:50","slug":"separation-anxiety-in-long-distance-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/separation-anxiety-in-long-distance-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Ways to Manage Long Distance Separation Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"happy<\/p>\n

Long distance separation anxiety is one of the most common challenges associated with long distance relationships. <\/span>Anxiety over relationships<\/span><\/a> can be common when the person you love is far away from you and communication can’t be done in real-time. <\/span><\/p>\n

Under these circumstances, insecurity in long distance relationships may come up. However, managing relationship anxiety in this scenario is a critical skill you must develop if you intend to enjoy a healthy relationship alongside your peace of mind. <\/span><\/p>\n

In any case, this article will show you long term separation anxiety effects and strategies for getting over separation anxiety. It will also equip you with all you need to rid yourself of long distance relationship anxiety. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Signs of separation anxiety in long distance relationships <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Simply put, long distance separation anxiety in relationships is a feeling of intense worry and fear, or a collection of other <\/span>unpleasant emotions<\/span><\/a> and thought patterns that two people in a relationship tend to experience when they have to be apart. <\/span><\/p>\n

In long distance relationships, anxiety levels can be traceable to how far away from themselves both lovebirds are. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to a recent <\/span>report<\/span><\/a>, up to 6.6% of American adults have to grapple with separation anxiety when away from someone close to them. This implies that a significant amount of people may be dealing with this in their relationships. <\/span><\/p>\n

In any case, separation anxiety in long distance relationships can present itself in many ways. Here are a few ways in which it affects individuals: <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Indescribable despair<\/b><\/h3>\n

While it is expected to feel a bit lonesome when your lover isn’t close, separation anxiety in long distance relationships leaves you feeling dejected and completely helpless. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also Try: Do I Have Separation Anxiety Quiz<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/pre>\n
2. Feeling that something is about to go wrong <\/b><\/h3>\n
One sign of long distance separation anxiety in a relationship is that the person dealing with the challenge can’t help but have negative premonitions about their partner and the relationship. You may think they would have an accident, due in a crash, or get up to no good. <\/span><\/p>\n
3. Distrust starts creeping in <\/b><\/h3>\n
One of the signs of separation anxiety in relationships is that you may begin to <\/span>suspect your partner<\/span><\/a> and even try to put them on a short leash, regardless of where they are and what they are up to. <\/span><\/p>\n
If you find yourself always suspecting your partner when they aren’t with you, it could be a sign that separation anxiety may be a challenge. <\/span><\/p>\n
4. Fear and unease when traveling without them <\/b><\/h3>\n
This is another common symptom that shows you may be dealing with separation anxiety in your relationship. Are you able to travel without worrying about not seeing your partner again? <\/span><\/p>\n
Maggie Martinez<\/a>, LCSW, notes,<\/p>\n
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This is not just missing your partner when you are away. This is an extreme feeling of anxiety that might even result in refusing to travel without them.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
5. You may just end up becoming too clingy <\/b><\/h3>\n
As a result of all that’s going on in your mind, you may present yourself in a way that your partner interprets as too clingy. This can, in turn,<\/span> negatively affect your relationship<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>15 ways to handle separation anxiety in long distance relationships<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Dealing with the anxiety of being away from your partner can <\/span>impact your mental and physical health<\/span><\/a>. It can affect the relationship’s health as well, and hence it should be dealt with in a considerate manner.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here are some effective ways to deal with separation anxiety in a long distance relationship:<\/b><\/p>\n
1. Acknowledge your emotions<\/b><\/h3>\n
One of the reasons why many people deal with separation anxiety at an adverse level is because they don’t take the time to admit what they feel while it is still young. <\/span><\/p>\n
\"Beautiful<\/p>\n
It is easier to identify those negative thought patterns and nip them in the bud than deal with their adverse effects if you let them get to their fullness. <\/span>Research<\/span><\/a> shows that acknowledging negative emotions has health benefits for individuals compared to denying them. <\/span><\/p>\n
2. Plan beforehand <\/b><\/h3>\n
An effective way to learn how to deal with separation anxiety in relationships is by planning. As you do this, agree on specific things with your partner. <\/span><\/p>\n
Agree on when and how your<\/span> communication <\/span><\/a>will be, set times for calls and face timing yourself, and also decide how and if you are open to texting all day round. <\/span><\/p>\n
Maggie Martinez<\/a>, LCSW, notes,<\/p>\n
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When you surround yourself with routine and also reasons to stay busy, the days go by faster and the anxiety lessens.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
It is easier to deal with separation anxiety when you have a laid-down schedule like this. <\/span><\/p>\n
3. Keep tokens close by <\/b><\/h3>\n
These could be printed pictures of your partner, a <\/span>symbolic gift<\/span><\/a> they once gave you, or anything that strongly reminds you of their presence. It is easier to overlook the anxiety when you have tricked your mind into believing that they are still with you. <\/span><\/p>\n
4. Communication is key <\/b><\/h3>\n
Consider this a continuation of point 2. An effective way of dealing with relationship anxiety is by communication. Under these circumstances, voice or video messaging is more effective because hearing your partner’s voice and seeing their face serves as a constant reminder that they are still with you. <\/span><\/p>\n
Research<\/span><\/a> shows that couples in long distance relationships can form powerful bonds, provided that the communication between them is compelling, dynamic and adaptable.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. Keep yourself happy <\/b><\/h3>\n
Research <\/span><\/a>has shown that positive thinking (which is associated with happiness) is an effective lifestyle change that can help you combat any form of anxiety – including long distance separation anxiety in relationships. <\/span><\/p>\n
One of the primary reasons you find yourself freaking out when your partner isn’t close is that your mind is clouded with thoughts of negative things. <\/span><\/p>\n
Instead of worrying about how everything can go wrong, plug that extra free time with activities that make you happy and help you think happy thoughts. This keeps you productive at the same time. <\/span><\/p>\n
Also Try: Am I Happy In My Relationship Quiz<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/pre>\n
6. Talk to your partner <\/b><\/h3>\n
Communication isn’t just the regular partner banter you have with them. This speaks of something deeper and more meaningful. To deal with long distance separation anxiety, you need to let your partner in on what goes on in your mind every time you are apart. <\/span><\/p>\n
This might feel like ripping the band-aid off an open wound, but it helps to be on the <\/span>same page as your partner<\/span><\/a> on matters like these. <\/span><\/p>\n
7. Remind yourself that the separation is temporary <\/b><\/h3>\n
Reminding yourself that they will only be gone for a while before they return to your side is a great way to deal with the <\/span>effects of separation anxiety<\/span><\/a> in relationships. No matter how long you spend apart, remind yourself that it will end. <\/span><\/p>\n
This singular trick will help you let go of the anxiety and feel more relaxed. <\/span><\/p>\n
8. Stay active; physically and mentally <\/b><\/h3>\n
Physical activities can come in handy as you seek to lighten up your day and let go of the stress of long distance separation anxiety. When you are productively active, the time seems to go by in a flash and before you can tell what’s happening, your partner is back to your side.<\/span><\/p>\n
9.  Do (at least) one meaningful thing for yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n
The time you are spending away from your partner shouldn’t be torturous. You can commit to doing one significant thing for yourself to make it memorable. If there’s one thing that you have wanted to do for the longest time, this is the best time to keep busy by doing that. <\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading: 10 Steps to Practice Self-love<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/pre>\n
10. Numb the pain with surprises <\/b><\/h3>\n
Big baby or not, everyone loves a good surprise. You love surprises and your partner does as well. Why not take the time you have spent apart to plan your next big surprise for them? <\/span><\/p>\n
This activity gives you something beautiful to channel your energies into, permits you to let down your creativity, and provides the perfect platform to <\/span>reinforce your relationship.<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n
\"Man<\/p>\n
Instead of sitting around and moaning the next time you have to be away from your partner, take the time to plan a good surprise for them. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Even planning a dinner date to their favorite restaurant counts as something noble. <\/span><\/p>\n
11. Revitalize other important relationships<\/b><\/h3>\n
If this long distance separation anxiety is any indication, it could be digestive that you may have spent all your time with your partner in the picture. Another effective coping strategy would be to seize the opportunity to service other important relationships in your life. <\/span><\/p>\n
Take a moment to visit your parents and stay with them for a while. Stay over with a close friend. <\/span><\/p>\n
Do something that puts the spotlight on other<\/span> beautiful relationships<\/span><\/a> you have with the other people in your life. This gives you something else to think about and also ensures that you do not get up to no good when they are away from you. <\/span><\/p>\n
12. Create a new routine <\/b><\/h3>\n
This routine should be packed full of physical activities like exercising, yoga, trying out new meals, and even the things that make you happy (even if it is a little bit of shopping). Having a new routine is one sure way of dealing with long distance separation anxiety. <\/span><\/p>\n
When you have a new routine, you add a little bit of uncertainty to your life. This is great because it gives you something new to look forward to every morning and keeps you occupied throughout the day. <\/span><\/p>\n
As part of your daily routine, you may want to interact with a support group. It helps to be in a community of people trying to <\/span>achieve a common goal<\/span><\/a>, even if they are trying to achieve learning how to make new dishes. <\/span><\/p>\n
Maintaining a routine is sure to add a little extra space to your days and you may not even remember that your partner is gone until they are back. <\/span><\/p>\n
To learn more about developing a daily routine to fight off depression, watch this video:<\/em><\/p>\n