Glow Sticks and Other Stories: Children’s Picture Book Revealing Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Ways to Cope With It

Abstract

This journal reveals Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) symptoms that may appear during childhood as well as ways children could cope with it in children picture books using realistic fiction as genre and first person point of view.  All characters in five stories experience SAD’s symptoms such as irrational worries that something bad will happen to them or to their attachment figures, excessive distress, difficulty sleeping alone, school refusal and even physical complaints such as nausea, headaches and stomachaches caused by unfortunate life events such as loss of loved ones, parental separation or divorce and economic hardships. This journal shows possible ways children may be able to face challenges and overcome their symptoms proactively by using self-directed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) such as identifying thought patterns, breaking through negative thoughts, facing fear and putting it all together.