[annent]

I have been seeing the same therapist for years...and still struggle with separation anxiety/abandonment at the end of a session. Does anyone else out there? How do you cope. I talk about it in therapy but I still feel like the break between sessions is so very hard. I sometimes get super panicky and my anxiety goes up. I don't quite know how to do deal with this.

It sounds like a great discussion to have with your T. I know a lot of us experience this, and all for different reasons. Your T might be able to help with coping strategies as well as working on the spirit causes of the anxiety. I wish you well

[Prism Bunny]

I was diagnosed Separation Anxiety Disorder as a kid, but sadly it never died out in my adulthood. Many years in therapy and support by some people have helped me overcome some of the obstacles. Though I still get anxious then panicky if someone said they would be home at _:_ time, and they are an hour or two late. I will call a few times until they pick up the phone. I know it is annoying to them, but I try not to do it so often.

What you are going through should be discussed with your T. He/She should work on the necessary planning and steps on minimizing your discomfort when separated.

By the way, does anyone ever say, "Oh she/he just misses people a lot." when describing your disorder? Ugh.

Yes, I get this all the time with every relationship when I no they will be leaving or when t goes on holidays or when sessions finish. It has lessened because t has been consistent with my sessions and has never mentioned cutting down or finishing. This has really helped me to contain my anxiety. This relationship has been paramount to teaching me security and consistency ( we argue and have ruptures but she is always there). I have managed to trust that t isn't going anywhere, well not for now. We talk about this feeling I have about endings and finishing up therapy a lot. We talk about what I need when I get anxious and inconsolable. This helps me to talk about it and when I say it it doesn't seem as big.
I do hope you can work this true with your t as it seems very hard for you to deal with alone

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[Cinnamon_Stick]

I talked to my T about it and she helped me realize that she is still there with me and taught me how to internalize her. I also recorded my sessions so I could listen to them and her voice whenever I wanted.

[Angelique67]

Yes, when it's someone I love. My only irl friend is flying off to Europe tonight and I'm very worried and upset.

ETA I sure hope the bad neighbors don't know, but they probably do. They hacked my phones.

Just recently I have started texting my T to check he is "still here" he replies and this gets me through the fortnight. It only took me 6 years to ask if I could do that.

[annent]

thank you for this. it sounds like you understand exactly what it is like for me. I suppose we have talked about it a lot but maybe I need to talk about it more with my therapist. I appreciate you sharing and your very kind words. I guess it still needs to be talking point for me.

Best.

[annent]

Sorry your friend is leaving. Hopefully it will only be for a while. I am sorry that you will miss her...I know that kind of emptiness when someone leaves.

Hang in there.

Thank you for responding to my post.

[annent]

How cool is that! I totally understand. y t lets me call him very briefly on weekends if I need to and that helps. He is always so kind. I love that texting idea, though. The response is perfect.

Thanks for sharing.

[annent]

Thanks for sharing this idea, too. I save my voicemails from him for that same reason, but never thought of recording a session. Interesting idea. It is just good to know I am not alone with this.

Originally Posted by annent

I have been seeing the same therapist for years...and still struggle with separation anxiety/abandonment at the end of a session. Does anyone else out there? How do you cope. I talk about it in therapy but I still feel like the break between sessions is so very hard. I sometimes get super panicky and my anxiety goes up. I don't quite know how to do deal with this.

I've been with my T 12yrs. In the beginning it was awful.
Now I still feel sad when I'm told about upcoming breaks. But when I'm actually in the break, I find I cope extremely well and become engrossed in my hobbies with T in my mind, but not ruling my mind. More a feeling of contentment.