Anxiety can affect any relationship, whether it is a marriage or other close bonds where the people involved are committed together. When anxiety enters a relationship life enters an inevitable spiral of unhappiness if not dealt with appropriately. Sometimes individuals feel that their partner does not understand what they are going through and this can cause a lot of frustration. […examples of relationship anxiety…]
People who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder often experience disruption in their close relationships because others don’t see or understand what they are experiencing. In many cases, the person’s partner has no idea that the presence of severe anxiety is having such a big impact on their lives.
While dealing with anxiety alone through medication and other forms of support is possible, it can be even more beneficial to address the issue with your partner.
Communicating
One of the most important things to do when you are suffering from anxiety is communicating with your partner. Because the disorder can cause feelings of tension, frustration, and unhappiness, it is very easy for individuals to lash out at their partners without meaning too. It’s therefore crucial that you talk about how you are feeling with your significant other.
Anxious individuals have a tendency to hold things in, which only exacerbates the problem. By being open and honest with your partner, they will be better able to understand where you are coming from and what you might need from them. For example, if you find it difficult to leave the house because of extreme feelings of anxiety, your partner might be able to take on more responsibilities at home.
In addition to being open and honest, it is important to also listen when your partner is talking. Taking the time to actually hear and understand what they are saying will demonstrate that you care about how they feel and this can make a world of difference in your relationship.
Getting Help
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of using your partner as a coping mechanism when you are suffering from anxiety. Because of this, it is very important that you reach out for help in dealing with what you are going through.
Group therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for individuals who have relationship anxiety. It can be difficult for partners to understand what their significant other is experiencing at times, especially if they have never dealt with anxiety themselves. Sharing your experiences with others, it can help your partner better empathize with what you are going through and how it affects you.
Another effective treatment option for individuals who have relationship anxiety is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This is a form of psychotherapy that allows you to recognize and change your negative thinking patterns. It can help you better understand why you feel the way that you do and how it affects your behavior, which can further improve communication with your partner.
If anxiety has been a factor in breaking down the communication between you and your significant other, getting help is the first step to repairing your relationship.
Preventing Future Problems
Anxiety can be difficult to live with but there are ways of coping that will allow you to successfully overcome it. For example, CBT has been proven effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety and improving mood. A therapist can help you work through the various situations throughout your life that might be triggering your anxiety. By having coping mechanisms in place, you will be better able to deal with any future problems that might occur.
Another way for people who suffer from relationship anxiety to improve their lives is by reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. For example, if you are feeling nervous about an upcoming event that you and your significant other will be attending together, remind yourself that there is no reason to feel this way. You will likely be fine and it’s even possible that you might enjoy yourself while you are there.
Summary
Anxiety can be very difficult to live with, especially if it is impacting your relationship. However, it is possible to improve things by being open and honest with your partner, listening when they are talking, and getting help from a therapist. With the right treatment program in place, you will be better able to cope with anxiety and overcome any future problems that might arise.