Losing is a part of life, but for many the grief just doesn’t go. Many people are not able to accept the loss or fear of losing their loved ones as it becomes a constant source of their anxiety – also known as fear of abandonment. According to experts, this mental health condition is usually a consequence of abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences early in life. Many mental health doctors also call it a part of borderline personality disorder.

While the initial behaviours of abandonment fear are often not purposeful, over time, the reaction these behaviors get can become self-reinforcing. That can cause someone to repeat the behaviors to get the response again. Experts believe this behaviour can have unhealthy consequences, which include ruined relationships and not being able to form healthy relationships.

Those who have a fear of abandonment exhibit many of the repeated behaviours, though some may be more prominent than others. These include:

Experts believe many people engage in numerous shallow relationships as they fear intimacy and always look for a reason to leave a relationship before the other person can.

Many people also act irrationally to get out of relationships.

Some people with abandonment issues also stay in relationships despite a desire to leave, as they fear being alone.

Many constantly seek out a friend to fulfill their emotional guarantees.

If you become anxious about your partner going somewhere in advance, you may be expressing abandonment fears

If you start having anxiety or panic attacks when you do not see your loved ones, this overreaction may be a sign of an abandonment issue

According to experts, for a healthy relationship to thrive, a balance of physical and emotional needs should be met. However, if your assurances are interrupted, abandonment fears develop. A few of these events include:

Even though it is natural, the death of a loved one can be highly traumatic for some people. Losing a loved one unexpectedly can create an emotional void that can be filled with fear

Physical and sexual abuse can lead to mental health issues, including a fear of abandonment

Relationship loss

Divorce, separation, and infidelity are a few painful reasons that can lead to lingering fears

For those moving locations routinely and growing up in foster homes could lead to abandonment issues

There are various strategies that can be applied successfully to help you cope with abandonment issues, which include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the best and most-familiar frontline treatments for abandonment issues. It helps reframe your negative thought patterns and behaviors.

If someone you know is suffering from this condition, be present for them and actively listen to their concerns without judging

When therapy does not show any fruitful results, a psychiatrist can prescribe anti-anxiety medication, which can affect chemical signaling in the brain.

Family counseling helps you create understandings and bonds with your loved ones

A few self-care strategies that help you cope with abandonment issues, include regulating sleep, exercising, and eating healthy to reduce stress