Are abandonment issues a mental illness?

Abandonment issues, by themselves, are not a diagnosable mental illness, though when someone is unable to deal with their abandonment issues in a healthy way, they can lead to a mental illness.

Abandonment issues are a classic symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental illness that is known for extreme mood swings, chronic feelings of emptiness, relationship problems, and an unstable sense of self.

Abandonment issues can also be a form of anxiety, which may result in the person being a "people pleaser" or engaging in codependent behaviors in an effort to lessen their chances of being abandoned by a friend or romantic partner. 


Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.



Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.