Boys with Separation Anxiety Disorder

Helping Troubled Boys With Separation Anxiety Disorder 

With over 30 years of experience with boys (ages 10-17), Triangle Cross enlists an expert life coach, therapists and mentors to instill principles of family and love, as well as the “Cowboy Code of the West” – an honorable, manly approach to life that is still alive and well in Wyoming.  This approach is based on our strong Catholic faith, and we accept families from all Christian traditions. Our experienced, caring and committed staff helps young boys improve their academics, as well as provide them with trade school education. Give us a call to learn more about our unique program at Triangle Cross Boys Ranch.

 (307) 645-3322

What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when away from home or separated from a loved one — usually a parent or other caregiver — to whom the child is attached. Some children also develop physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, at the thought of being separated. The fear of separation causes great distress to the child and may interfere with their normal activities, like going to school or playing with other children.

Separation anxiety is normal in very young children (those between 8 and 14 months old). Kids often go through a phase when they’re “clingy” and afraid of unfamiliar people and places. When this fear affects a child over age 6 years, is heavy, or lasts longer than 4 weeks, the child may have separation anxiety disorder. Separation anxiety affects approximately 4%-5% of children in the U.S. ages 7 to 11 years. It is less common in teenagers, affecting about 1.3% of American teens. It affects boys and girls equally.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder:

• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the parent or caregiver if the child leaves
• An unrealistic and lasting worry that something bad will happen to the child if they leave the caregiver
• Refusal to go to school in order to stay with the caregiver
• Refusal to go to sleep without the caregiver being nearby or to sleep away from home
• Fear of being alone
• Nightmares about being separated
• Bed-wetting
• Complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches
• Repeated temper tantrums or pleading
• Intense fear or guilt

Professional treatment for separation anxiety disorder may include:

• Talk therapy. Talk therapy provides a safe place for your son to express his feelings. Having someone to listen empathetically and guide your son toward understanding their anxiety can be powerful treatment.
• Play therapy. The therapeutic use of play is a common and effective way to get kids talking about their feelings.
• Counseling for the family. Family counseling can help your son counteract the thoughts that fuel his anxiety, while you as the parent can help your child learn coping skills.
• School-based counseling. This can help your son with separation anxiety disorder explore the social, behavioral, and academic demands of school.

Another goal of the therapy is to teach boys healthier ways of dealing with future situations. And we understand that it takes time to improve his thoughts and actions. 

Triangle Cross Gives Teen Boys Healthy Ways to Deal with Separation Anxiety

As you search for trouble youth programs, consider Triangle Cross Ranch. Our boarding school works with boys who suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder. Therapists address physical symptoms, identify anxious thoughts, help your son develop coping strategies, and foster problem solving.

On our remote 50,000-acre working cattle ranch and farm located in Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park, troubled boys receive the individualized attention and reality counseling that they need. 

If you have a son struggling with Separation Anxiety Disorder, showing at-risk behavior, or signs of emotional distress, call us today. Our caring staff will answer any questions you may have about our trouble youth program. Call today to see if Triangle Cross is right for your son.   (307) 645-3322.

We’re here to help!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/separation-anxiety#1