Separation Anxiety - Can anyone help me?

[Anxious_Annie]

Hello everyone,

irst time poster here! I have GAD, always have, but I have been in a relationship for just over a year with a wonderful partner - he is supportive, kind and makes me feel at ease. The catch is, he works away a lot, up to 6 weeks away at a time. When he goes, I have huge feelings that he wont come back or will fall out of love with me if he doesn't see me. Logically I know this isn't how he is, but I cant shift the feelings. I am in my 30's and this feels childish to feel this way.

an anyone relate or help?

[triggerhappy]

Howdy, welcome to the forum

I used to be in this sort of relationship - it is one of the most excruciating feelings because it is you who invalidates yourself the most. My circumstances were very different, but I made the mistake of pushing it down and trying to rationalise it constantly. Have you talked to your partner about this? If you haven't and you do, don't sugarcoat it or apologise for yourself like I did. Instead of "I am so sorry for being like this" perhaps say "thank you for listening to me" to validate yourself - I might be taking the liberty of assuming too much here though. I think it should start with a conversation and head from there on. Also, how are other aspects of your life fairing? e.g. exercise, food, water, social, work, family, etc..

Kind regards

R

[Anxious_Annie]

Thanks for the reply.

He knows I have anxiety, but I haven't talked to him about this in a lot of detail because I feel bad about feeling this way and I struggle to find the right words.

Other aspects of my life are good thank you - I exercise most days, eat well and have a good support network. I just struggle with feeling like something terrible will happen while he is away.

I will take your advice and have the conversation with him. Thank you!

[triggerhappy]

It's good to hear that the rest of your life is whole - I asked because people in codependent relationships often (obviously not always, case proven) other important aspects go to the wayside.

Good luck!