Fear of abandonment
The overwhelming worry that people close to you will leave. When threatened with the thoughts of being alone, someone who suffers from fear of abandonment will act out by:
Reaching Out – Someone who suffers from fear of abandonment may reach out for anyone whom he or she has a relationship with. This may lead to unhealthy relationships, or simply the individual’s worst fear, which is driving away the person he or she is clinging to.
Panic – Panicking over small indiscretions is another sign of fear of abandonment. Someone who is suffering from fear of abandonment may call frequently if the person they are clinging to is late, fails to pick up the phone, or doesn’t call back right away.
Complacent Disposition – Many times, people suffering from an abandonment complex may become complacent to keep people from leaving. Leaving Relationships – In an attempt to keep from being rejected or abandoned, someone suffering from fear of abandonment may bounce from relationship to relationship, so that he or she is the one who is doing the rejecting. Even if the relationship is going well, the sufferer may be compelled to leave the relationship, feeling as if it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
Continual Need For Reassurance – Many people who suffer from abandonment fears are always in need of constant reassurance of affection or love. They will ask a partner or loved one “Do you really love me?” frequently, or exhibit other compulsive behavior to prove that the person they are concentrated on still loves them and will not leave.
Weakened Sense Of Self Worth – People who suffer from the mental problems associated with a fear of abandonment often have a weakened sense of self worth, leading to abandonment depression. They feel happier, more confident, and real when someone else is there to prop them up and protect them from the boogeyman.
