Separation Anxiety

[Xoxochellebell]

I'm 20 years old. I'm an only child and the only family I have left consists of my mother and father. My grandparents have all passed away, hardest times of my life so far, aunts and uncles don't come around because of money disputes from said grandparents passings. So we are a close knit of 3. I've always been attached to my parents but I'm grown up now, I go off to college but chose to be closer to home, I love there about 45 min from them. I'm constantly fearing something will happen to me and I'll leave them all alone together. It used to be me worrying something would happen to them and me being all alone, I still worry about that but it's few and far between now. I'm getting ready to move into my first apartment across from campus still only about 45min away from home and I was super excited but then I always get so nervous. Like this sometimes even holds me back from doing things I want to experience. I wish they could accompany me though a lot but I feel so foolish because I'm young and I'm just staring to hit the highlight years of everything g and I have all of this going for me but deep down I think I have separation anxiety and I don't know how to handle it. My parents are my world. My best friends. I'd do anything for them and the bond we have is incredible. I have fun but I wish I was normal and could b an only child and worry about them but also live my own life without hesitation...

[Lm92]

Only child here, too and I completely understand where you're coming from. My only living family now is my Mom. I feel so guilty sometimes because 15 years ago I fell in love and moved 2000 miles away from her to be with him. We've been married nearly 12 years now and have a son. I seriously had to go to a therapist to help me deal with the guilt I felt and the anxiety about being away from her. The first thing I had to remember is she's happy. She has her own friends, her own life, her own schedule and I shouldn't feel guilty for having the same. Our parents inherently want us to be happy and experience new things so we can live our lives to the fullest. Also the advent of technology helps shorten distance even more! I still talk to my Mom several times a day, usually short conversations, then at night before bed, we each make a cup of tea or decaf coffee and have a nice long video chat. It helps so much. Don't let your fears hold you back. Talk to your parents about your fears and ask them to help reassure you because I can almost guarantee they'll be your best source of reassurance. Hugs. I know it's scary getting started in the world, but you are going to do great things!

[blackcat64013]

I am with Lm92.

Modern technology also means that you have access to few self help programs for anxiety. If you prefer to speak to someone in person, a free student assistance program is available on campus.

You could also invite them to a "house warming" after you have moved in, so that they feel part of your big move away.