10 Signs of Anxious Attachment and How to Address Them

🚩Anxious attachment is a result of insensitive parenting, leading to a constant fear of abandonment and a high level of rejection sensitivity.

🔍People with anxious attachment often lack close friendships and pour their entire selves into one relationship.

🌊Emotional dysregulation is common in those with anxious attachment, resulting in difficulties identifying and managing emotions.

🔒Boundaries are important in addressing anxious attachment, respecting both oneself and others.

🌱Developing secure attachment requires recognizing one's own capabilities and building emotional awareness and regulation skills.

How does anxious attachment develop?

—Anxious attachment often develops as a result of insensitive, inconsistent, or rejecting parenting, where the child's needs are not consistently met and they don't feel safe or loved.

What are some distress tolerance skills for anxious attachment?

—Some distress tolerance skills for anxious attachment include mindful journaling, grounding exercises, guided imagery, and engaging in activities like deep breathing or holding ice cubes.

Can anxious attachment be changed?

—Yes, with self-reflection, therapy, and self-empowerment, individuals with anxious attachment can develop more secure attachment styles and build healthier relationships.

How important are boundaries in addressing anxious attachment?

—Boundaries are crucial in addressing anxious attachment, as they allow individuals to set and assertively maintain their own boundaries while respecting the boundaries of others.

What are some tips for developing secure attachment?

—Some tips for developing secure attachment include practicing mindfulness, gradually increasing space in relationships, communicating in love languages, and developing friendships outside of one primary relationship.

00:03Anxious attachment is often a result of insensitive parenting, leading to a constant fear of abandonment and a high level of rejection sensitivity.

01:22People with anxious attachment often lack close friendships and pour their entire selves into one relationship.

05:21Emotional dysregulation is common in those with anxious attachment, resulting in difficulties identifying and managing emotions.

15:14Boundaries are important in addressing anxious attachment, respecting both oneself and others.

23:26Developing secure attachment requires recognizing one's own capabilities and building emotional awareness and regulation skills.