Separation Anxiety at bed time?

The past 10 days have been hell at night. My 8 month old refuses to go to sleep and stay asleep, unless he’s being held or sleeping with you. He’s never been a good sleeper, but things have definitely been worse they have ever been these past 10 days. I don’t feel comfortable co-sleeping, but we are literally at our wits end and don’t know what else to do. And yes, we’ve done CIO. We are looking into hiring a sleep consultant and pray that helps!! But it really seems that baby is having separation anxiety?? Is that even possible?

Also quick vent/rant: unless you’ve *actually* dealt with a baby that doesn’t sleep good, your “advice” probably sucks. Sorry, not sorry.