Suggest Treatment For Separational Anxiety In A Child

Posted on Thu, 15 May 2014

Question: My daughter is 3.9 years old. My monther (her grandmother) had died before she was born and this fact was informed to my daughter very early. However, recently, she would ask more questions about her and I would answer them honestly to her. All was well, but for the last one week, my daughter has been extremely depressed and not eating or sleeping properly. She is afraid everytime I leave her and go for work. I suspect that she is worried will happen to me and also all the time worried and thinking about her grandmother. I need some help to handle this situation. I can convey more details when I talk to the doctor.

Answered by Dr. Prashant Mahajan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
could be separational anxiety

Detailed Answer:

This seems to be the case of separational anxiety. Address your child's fear and anxiety genuinely and not lightly. Now try to find out stresses like any conflict between parents, quarrels with friend, bullying at school or conflict with caretakers at home etc.

It could be that she is currently emotionally vulnerable and is seeking your complete attention. So find out the cause, acknowledge her worries and continuously reassure that you will be with her always.

There is no substitute for quality time spent with her.

Best regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E