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Relationships are already difficult enough to maneuver, but then with long-distance relationships, you have to deal with being apart for extended periods as well. This added challenge can cause anxiety, which can impact an individual's overall well-being as well as the entire relationship status.

Separation anxiety in romantic relationships can manifest in various ways. It can cause a person to feel extreme despair when away from their partner. It may also cause them to think irrationally that their relationship is ending or that their partner is in danger. A study from 2015 found that this could be due to maladaptive family functioning, past trauma, or childhood adversities.

However, like other forms of anxiety, there are ways to deal with it. Here are some of them.

Create a communication schedule

Communication is a key in every relationship. However, for long-distance relationships, this can be a little tricky, especially when partners live on opposite sides of the world. 

Planning ahead and talking about a schedule that works for both partners will help deal with separation anxiety. Aside from the excitement it brings, it gives a person security that their partner misses them as much as they do. A schedule will also eliminate unnecessary check-ins.

Do something for yourself

Create a routine that involves doing something alone and doing something else with others. It may be a new hobby, a yoga class, or simple journaling. Whatever it may be, being physically and mentally active keeps a person with separation anxiety from thinking negatively about their partner and the distance.