SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER .

[Ambler58]

Struggle with separation anxiety disorder. Didn't even know there was such a thing until recently - thought it was just me .

Desperate at the moment as my dog passed away .

[tykesammy]

Hi, I too have separation anxiety, and have done for years, If I didn't have my very understanding husband, I truly think I would die, so you are not alone. I worry constantly that I may be left without him. I have all my life suffered with anxiety and depression, at at one point had 2 nervous breakdowns, which left me with agoraphobia. It has got much better, but I never go anywhere alone, which makes me feel so inadequate as a person, which in turn makes me very sad. And boy do I get where you are coming from with losing your dog, I had 2 jack Russells that really were my life, after my kids left home. I lost one at 15 years, and the other a year later at 16. They knew what I was feeling way before I did, and a year later I lost my amazing Mum, as well as going thro an horrendous menopause, I felt like I could not do it anymore. It has taken me 5-6 years to truly accept my mum would not want to be in this life anymore, as she had dementia and was 88. But to this day I still weep obviously for my mum, but also my 2 jacks. Of late I have been looking at dog's again, and I am a massive animal lover, but I don't cope well with saying goodbye to them, and yet part of me says just do it. I know I have droned on, but I wish you well.

[Ambler58 in reply to tykesammy]

Hi tykesammy - many thanks for your reply and you have not droned on , i have only recently realised that SAD was really a thing , i have always thought ever since i was a small boy it was just me being soft , i'm now 58 and i still get thise same feelings as i did say when i was 5 .Especially in the last 11 years - so much has happened - the world seems to be where everyone else lives , to make matters worse i won't be able to get another dog as i will be leaving my house in the near future and going into private rented accomodation , and landlords don't seem to allow pets .

[Agora1]

I'm so sorry Ambler58 in the passing of your dog. We form such a bond with

our furry friends that can be as devastating as losing a person.

Give yourself time to grieve in your own way. You can never replace them

whether you stay where you are at or go into a private rental.

Separation Anxiety is very real and hurts. Give yourself time. We are here

to help you through one step at a time. xx

[LifeIsThePitts]

My dear, I know the immense pain you're going through. My Smokey passed away in my arms less than 10 hrs after this picture was taken. In 20 mins from this moment, it will be officially 2 weeks and I'm grieving like there's literally no tomorrow. His birthday would have been Mon, 2 weeks after mine, and 2 days after he died. WORST bday ever 😞

He was my very first dog and a once in a lifetime companion. We got him at 7.5 wks old and he was nearly 15. Every other dog will be ♾️ forever compared to Smokey, as perfection cannot be replicated.

I'm sorry you've been through the wringer. Sad season is a very real thing. We're in the thick of holiday madness and it's a time of year that's difficult for many. Suffering an additional loss right now really adds to the burden and emotional load. I'm still not sleeping well or eating consistently. But I'm trying to be compassionate towards myself because this is one of my biggest losses in life and grieving is not Taboo or something to ignore. We have to feel the crazy emotions to process our deepest feelings and pain.

Im hopelessly codependent on my spouse and totally understand the separation anxiety. I had a panic attack this summer when he went to the dentist and I was home alone...in my OWN 🏡 house! I don't like going anywhere anymore. The pandemic was perfect for me. Social distancing is my wheelhouse.

What was your pup's name? Do you have a picture to share?

Smokey 11/25/23