It is common for people with an anxious attachment style to feel insecure when they are involved in relationships. Frequently, this attachment style develops early in life and can cause someone to feel extreme jealousy and mood swings and explode in anger many times. Individuals who have experienced such trauma usually try to get reassurance from their partners and are afraid to be rejected, which can cause problems in their relationship.
Similarly, it also impacts both the individual and the people who are important to them. Taking care of these issues under the supervision of mental health experts is necessary. Here in this article, we’ll discuss the anxious attachment style signs, its causes, and ways to fix it. Read on till the end and stay connected to get more useful insights!
What Is Anxious Attachment Style?
Anxious attachment style is a relationship pattern that usually starts in childhood and continues into adult relationships. Those with this style may feel worried about their relationships ending and may be insecure about being loved. People with borderline personality disorder may frequently look for validation from their partner or friends and get very sad if they think someone is misfocusing them.
In addition, such a way of attaching can cause strong emotions and stress within a close relationship. Even during successful times, a person with anxious attachment can still have fears that things may change and the bond may soon end. When someone gets the right help and support, they are more likely to improve their relationships with time.
Anxious Attachment Style Symptoms
Here are the anxious attachment style signs that include:
- Worrisome thoughts of being abandoned by someone.
- Needing frequent reassurance from others.
- Still feeling uncertain in relationships, even when everything is fine.
- Always noticing and being swayed by a partner’s feelings.
- Being afraid of loneliness and having a low opinion of oneself.
- It is hard to believe that others genuinely care about you.
- Being constantly attached to a partner in a close relationship.
- Concentrating too much on issues within a relationship.
- Being unable to calm down after facing hurt or being ignored.
- Getting upset about minor disputes in relationships.
Anxious Attachment Style Causes
Some common causes for anxious attachment include:
- Children who do not receive regular care or supervision from parents.
- Experiencing emotional neglect when I was young.
- Those who, while they loved us, were not always there for us.
- Being raised in a household full of difficult situations.
- A growth period without emotional or psychological support.
- Childhood trauma or emotional abuse.
- Overprotective or controlling parenting.
- Low self-esteem developed during childhood.
Anxious Attachment Style in Relationships
Individuals with an anxious attachment style tend to doubt and worry a lot about their relationships. They could become frightened that their partner will walk away or no longer care for them. As a result, they could always feel the need for attention, security, and closeness. Changes like slow replies from their partner or lower-than-usual communication can easily upset them.
Moreover, people in a relationship may misunderstand each other and experience more stress. They can start to rely too closely on you, be very emotional, or not give you a chance to hear what they require. They also need to feel special and secure, as they want to be cared for deeply, too. People with anxious attachment can improve their relationship skills with the right support, healthy communication, and time.
How To Fix Anxious Attachment Style?
1. Understand Your Attachment Style
The first thing to do is understand anxious attachment and how it changes your mindset and actions in relationships. Understanding that your fears have roots in past events, not the present, can give you a better feeling of control. It helps you identify what’s not working for you and start making improvements. Growth is possible when we are self-aware.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
Show yourself kindness and compassion instead of judging your feelings or needs. Blaming yourself for your mistakes or feeling guilty usually happens with anxiety, but giving yourself some time can help you feel less stressed. Keep in mind that everyone needs love and support at times. Having self-confidence will help you feel less afraid of others’ rejection.
3. Build Healthy Communication Skills
Talking honestly about your feelings and what you want can help you build better relationships. Let your loved one know what you think and feel without shouting or making excuses. It makes things easier for others to recognize and care about you. Good communication forms trust with time.
4. Set Boundaries and Respect Space
Being mindful of personal space in a relationship can reduce anxiety disorder for both people. If you set up boundaries, you will both feel more comfortable and secure. It might be hard to discuss this with your friends at first, but it helps create trust between you. Make sure you spend time with each other as well as alone for a healthier relationship.
5. Focus on Self-Care and Hobbies
Getting involved in activities that you enjoy can help you relax more about your relationship. Doing sports and hobbies makes you feel more confident and manage your emotions. Because of this, you have increased confidence in being alone. Having confidence in who you are means you do not keep looking for outside feedback all the time.
6. Seek Assistance
Understanding the reason for your attachment style and finding ways to control it can be helped by seeing a therapist. A safe space called therapy allows you to explore your feelings and pick up new skills. Defendants may receive help and support from belonging to a support group or from friends they trust. You do not have to go through your pain on your own.
How To Work on Anxious Attachment Style?
Tips for working on having an anxious attachment style include:
- Understanding attachment styles can help you explain your behavior.
- Spot and confront any negative ideas you have about partners.
- Consider using self-soothing methods when you feel anxious.
- Clearly explain what you need in your relationships with a calm attitude.
- Define your comfort zone and respect other people’s space.
- Try not to analyze every single thing your partner does or says.
- Associate yourself with people who are caring and safe.
- Think about trying therapy or counseling for extra help and healing.
Closing Remarks
To sum up, treatment for anxious attachment style often includes medication that can also help manage the intense anxiety and emotional distress. At MAVA Behavioral Health, we offer personalized care through psychiatric evaluations to fully understand your symptoms and emotional patterns. Our experienced providers may recommend medication management to help reduce anxiety, stabilize mood, and improve overall emotional well-being.
Lastly, medication can ease the overwhelming fears of abandonment and help patients feel calmer and more balanced in their relationships. If you’re struggling with anxious attachment and anxiety, our caring team is here to guide you toward a healthier and more secure emotional life.
FAQs
What is an anxious attachment style?
Such a person might have difficulty trusting that the person close to them will never leave them. How adults connect with people is usually developed in their childhood.
What causes anxious attachment?
Children usually encounter this issue because they do not spend much time with loving adults. As a result, people feel anxious and have less self-confidence.
What are common signs?
A few signs of suspiciousness are repeatedly seeking reassurance, worrying that a relationship will end, getting too worked up about people, being jealous, and having difficulty trusting others.
Can anxious attachment be treated?
Yes, you may work on yourself and occasionally get medicine, and a person can form stronger and healthier relationships.