I think I'm developing separation anxiety

From my mom. I don't have to be by her side all the time, I just like knowing that we're both home at the same time. We see each other every morning before we leave to our separate jobs, & every morning she hugs me & tells me that everything is going to be OK after I tell her how I'm feeling. She texts me nearly every day while we're at work to check in with me, and I'll ask her if she's working late. If she is, I won't see her until the next morning and my day gets worse. If she isn't, my mood gets better almost instantly. Any tips on dealing with this? I don't want her to feel like she shouldn't take the extra hours because of me.

Have you tried distracting yourself with a hobby or with a close friend? It might be good to get something else for you to focus your mind on, so that you are not worrying about your mom too much. Maybe if you and your mom scheduled something like a game night or movie night once a week where you could look forward to that, and that gives you a reason to fight through the week until you can just relax without worry. Might be worth the try.

It's hard to distract myself with a hobby or friend when I'm at work. My mom also works similar hours so we leave and arrive at home at similar times. My anxiety is weirdly specific & inconsistent. Yesterday was a really bad day, I missed her like crazy, and just wanted to be near her. Today, I don't feel it nearly as much. I listen to podcasts at work to distract myself & keep my kind busy but sometimes it just doesn't work. But when it gets bad, she's my safe space & I like to know she's around. I'll keep trying to find distractions though. Thanks for taking the time to read & respond.

Have you considered going on medication if you already aren't?

I'm not opposed to medication, but I don't think that I'm at the point where I need it. At least not yet.

It’s nice that you have a good relationship with your mom. My daughter just went to a college 2 hours away and we both had to work through separation anxiety. She is always busy at school which helps her and I distract myself with friends and activities which helps me as does therapy.

If at some point the separation anxiety becomes a hindrance or starts impacting your quality of life, therapy might be helpful. Best wishes.

Oh Jennifer, you really are everywhere lol. Right now it's not so bad. Well, it's day by day. Monday was really bad, but yesterday was really good. I have no idea why. I want to go to therapy but my insurance doesn't cover it until I hit my deductible so I'm looking into low cost therapy in my area. Doesn't hurt to try.