You May be Struggling with Anxiety in Your Marriage

Marital or relationship problems come in all shapes and sizes. It can require serious work to navigate through conflict. Even the healthiest of relationships can be complicated. Anxiety can add an additional, unwanted layer of difficulty. Anxiety disorders can not only be draining for those with them, but also for those closest to them. If anxiety is negatively impacting your relationship, you aren’t alone. 

When Your Partner Has an Anxiety Disorder

Every relationship experiences conflict. If one partner has an anxiety disorder, these conflicts can feel bigger and more intense. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) conducted a study finding that; 

…. generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, sufferers were significantly less likely to consider themselves in a “healthy and supportive” relationship with their partner or spouse than people without GAD; two times more likely to experience at least one relationship problem (i.e., getting into arguments on a regular basis, avoiding participation in social activities); and three times more likely to avoid being intimate with their partner. Although the study looked specifically at GAD, many of these findings would likely be true for other anxiety disorders, too. (Spouse or Partner)

Anxiety can have overwhelming symptoms that impact many aspects of your life, relationships included.

Anxiety in the Context of a Romantic Relationship

It is said that one of the things that causes people anxiety the most is interpersonal relationships, but many would argue that romantic relationships are impacted the most. Anxiety can leave you feeling emotionally entangled and vulnerable with another person while struggling to keep your fears and worries in check.

Symptoms of anxiety can manifest as jealousy, suspicion and insecurity. The persistent fear of being abandoned, not being enough or worrying if your partner is cheating may cross your mind even if there are no reasons to be concerned. Unfortunately, this can become a great source of frustration and stress for your partner.

Can Relationship Counseling Help? 

The challenges created by anxiety can take a toll on you and your partner’s physical and mental health. Counseling has been proven to be an effective intervention in treating anxiety. Relationship counseling can help to decrease intrusive symptoms of anxiety and improve the quality of your relationship. 

In therapy you can learn more about anxiety and how you can better support each other. You can have a safe space to process your feelings and begin to resolve conflicts. When your communication improves other aspects of your relationship will as well. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with effective marriage and couples counselors. Call CCS today and find the therapist that is right for you!

Related Articles: