Our Caretoons series illustrates common anxiety challenges young people may face, using a fun format and entertaining characters. Our animated anxiety episodes can help youth and teens feel comfortable talking about anxiety. Children and teens can learn that there are options when it comes to taking care of their mental health. Our series, Galaxy Brain, introduces separation anxiety to kids in a simple, straightforward way.
In Galaxy Brain, Drexal the Alien gets very attached to his trusty computer sidekick—and he worries about spending a whole day apart as the computer makes important updates. He worries that something bad could happen to him or his computer sidekick while they are apart.
Watch the episode to learn more.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety can occur in children, youth, and adults. It can occur we fear being separated from the people we feel attached to. Separation anxiety disorder in children can create intense fear of being separated from parents or other loved ones. This can impact their lives significantly, sometimes leading them to be unable to attend school. Separation anxiety can also cause nightmares and physical symptoms.
For youth and children, separation anxiety can affect their school experience, as it can prevent them from committing to new friendships or experiences and lead to feelings of isolation. Low school attendance or classroom performance can be a signal that a child may be experiencing separation anxiety or another form of anxiety. Some students with separation anxiety disorder appear depressed, withdrawn, and apathetic.
Find out more about how separation anxiety can impact students.
Small Changes Help Tackle Separation Anxiety
Drexal tries to distract himself by doing solo activities he loves, like riding his hoverbike, and finds that time passes a lot quicker that way. He slowly learns that he’s okay on his own.
Trying to work through thoughts and emotions caused by separation anxiety can be difficult, but talking feelings out in a safe environment can help. You can make small, gradual changes to improve your ability to be on your own. Small changes add up.
Another great tool for separation anxiety is our MAPs (My Anxiety Plans), which parents or educators and children can use to tackle anxiety together!
More Resources
Our animated Caretoons can help stimulate discussions with youth about anxiety, including separation anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and more. Watch every episode and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Want to keep learning how to support a child or teen with anxiety? Learn more about the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety, or see more Anxiety Canada resources on youth anxiety.