Separation anxiety in teenagers can show in a number of ways. Physical symptoms can include: – Frequent tummy aches or vomiting – Headaches – Muscle aches or tension – Panic attacks – Extreme and severe crying – Loss of appetite – Refusal to do things that require separation – Lethargy or overactivity
Emotional symptoms (thoughts and behaviours) can include: – Clinging to parents and siblings – Repeated nightmares with a theme of separation – Worry or panic when faced with separation from home or family – School refusal and poor school performance – Extreme fear or reluctance of being alone, sometimes at bedtime – Heightened emotional behaviours such as aggression or anger – Withdrawal from communicating and engagement in activities – Worry about themselves, their safety and health – Overly worrying about the safety of a family member