Mental health is not a stigma, it’s a very serious problem. An even bigger problem is the high numbers of people who refuse to seek professional help for mental health. There are many untreated mental health problems that can affect our relationships. One of these problems is anxiety. Let’s explore how anxiety effects our relationships.
Persons with anxiety disorders often have a lack of comfort with intimacy. A recent research study found that persons with anxiety and distress risk having arguments with their partners a daily basis. If one or both spouses have anxiety symptoms there is a significant chance of the relationship not lasting.
There a several ways in which a person suffering from anxiety may have trouble with their relationships:
Lack of Trust
Persons suffering from anxiety often worry a lot and find it difficult to give their partner space and time. They often feel unloved and tend to require constant attention. There is also a good chance that they develop suspicions toward their partner. A person suffering from anxiety can also create doubts in a relationship and lead the relationship towards more destruction. Asking for constant expression of love and assurance may frustrate and exhaust the other partner. If the healthy partner understands the anxious condition then it’s helpful.
Over-dependence On Partner
A major symptom of anxiety is over thinking and worry. It is very hard for an anxious person to make calm and wise decisions. They need constant reassurance, suggestions and emotional support from the spouse to make any decision or take any actions. Most suffering from anxiety can’t think and act independently, because they have to trust in themselves. Besides indecisiveness, anxious people need more love and attention from their partner in order to trust and feel loved. This constant neediness often pushes the partner away.
Impulsiveness
In a relationship, it is very essential to take the right action at the right time. Anxiety creates an extreme lack of patience and increases the chances that one may participate in destructive actions. It is also very common for those suffering with anxiety to jump to conclusions and act without considering the consequences. These reckless actions might bring shame and regret to the partner in this relationship, especially if these actions are directly involve the partner. It is also very difficult for an anxious person to have the augments in healthy manner; they are more likely to shout and acts crazy.
Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
