5 Ways Anxiety Affects Relationships

Anyone who is a sufferer of anxiety knows just how detrimental it can be. Not only is anxiety a mental and emotional struggle, but it’s also something that can affect physical aspects of our lives. In fact, anxiety can have a negative effect on our relationships. Don’t believe us? Here’s how:

• Codependency

While there’s no harm in depending on someone now and then, it does become a problem when your dependency on someone becomes so strong that it hinders your independence.

People with anxiety may find themselves becoming codependent on their partner. They might constantly seek approval from their partner and persistently count on them to do basic things for them. This can quickly becoming draining for the other partner. The other partner may even become an enabler as a result of the anxiety-sufferer’s codependency.

• Increased Arguments

Some common symptoms of anxiety include mood swings and irritability. Sufferers of anxiety may find themselves overwhelmed from excess stimuli or tired of dealing with their anxiety symptoms and, thus, may lash out at their loved one as a result.

When the anxious partner lashes out, this, as expected, can trigger an argument. These arguments may be small at times, but their frequency can be enough to really hurt a relationship.

• Communication Issues

Those with anxiety may find it difficult to communicate due to a fear of socializing. It can also be difficult for them to express their emotions and what they’re struggling with as, after all, it’s often only anxiety sufferers who understand other anxiety sufferers.

Due to the communication issues that may occur between an anxious and non-anxious partnership, miscommunications and misunderstandings are frequent. The anxious partner may never feel completely understood while the non-anxious partner may feel like they struggle to get a solid resolution or proper conversation out of their partner.

• Avoidance

In some cases, the anxious partner may be subject to avoidance as their way of handling the problems of their relationship. This is a flight response that is common in those struggling with anxiety.

Avoidance in a relationship might look like shutting down during an argument, avoiding difficult conversations, or withdrawing during intimate situations. The reason for avoidance in anxious individuals is protecting themselves from getting hurt, in part by decreasing the overstimulation they may feel when tensions are high.

• Lack of Trust & Security

Especially when a relationship is already rocky, it’s easy for an anxious partner to feel a lack of trust or security in their partner and relationship.

Some of the biggest anxieties one may hold in a relationship include: do they really love me, and are they being unfaithful to me? The more these worries ruminate in one’s head, the more they may eventually come to life in the form of personal insecurities, wrongful accusations, and arguments.

While anxiety in a relationship can be damaging, not all hope is lost thanks to professional anxiety disorders treatment. With reduced anxiety, the anxious partner may find themselves less worried and overall happier in their intimate relationship.

Conclusion

It’s unfortunate that so many of us struggle with anxiety. Not only must we deal with what’s in our heads, but anxiety also often finds a way to destroy other parts of our lives as well. For instance, anxiety can most definitely hinder our relationships with others. But the good news is, getting treatment for anxiety can help lessen the negative effects it has on our daily lives. And if it’s time to call it quits, check out Suffolk County divorce mediation lawyer.