Feeling nervous about life with a current or prospective partner is not an issue, besides it is good as you are taking a big step. But sometimes this nervousness grows and ruins the relationship. Relationships are supposed to give you the joy and happiness you ever dream of but they usually give you a lot of stress. Even after having great compatibility, understanding, and respect, some people suffer from anxiety regardless of how much their partners are. Questions related to loyalty or love arise in their mind, which ultimately ruins their relationship. But there are ways to manage this anxiety, and we will discuss them in this article.
What is Relationship Anxiety?
Relationship anxiety is a broad term that refers to the feelings of stress and uncertainty within interpersonal, most probably in romantic relationships. It is a constant worry, sadness, anxiety, and nervousness in a relationship. This nervousness can lead you to anxiety and depression. It can also come with overthinking. People usually start overthinking about their partners and question their loyalty or love. Questions come to your mind:
Will this person cheat on me?
Does this person love me?
I think he is bored of me.
Will I wake up with a breakup text one day?
These types of questions may destroy your bond with your partner but because of your anxiety, you cannot stop thinking about it. If you are facing these issues, you might consider going for therapy.
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Signs of Relationship Anxiety
Relationship anxiety symptoms include obsessive behavior and requiring constant reassurance. Obsessive behaviors sometimes may lead you to other psychotic disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Protest behaviors may lead your partner to ask repetitive questions such as “Are you ok?” or “Do you love me?”. This mental disorder also leads to other cognitive problems like insomnia.
Anxiety in relationships comes with different indications. Let’s discuss the relationship anxiety symptoms:
- You doubt your partner’s feelings
- You have a constant need for reassurance
- You compare the relationship with others
- You are not convinced that you matter to your partner
- You are so preoccupied with things that you want to be left alone
- You want to see the future of your relationship
- You fear rejection
- You look for reasons to end the relationship
Causes of Anxiety in a Relationship
Why do some people feel comfortable and confident in their relationship while others feel anxious and insecure in their relationship? There is no specific reason for anxiety in a relationship, but there are some factors that may lead to relationship anxiety. Past relations are one of the reasons for anxiety issues in relationships.
The second factor that can cause anxiety is childhood experiences. If you encounter relationship issues with your parents, then you may be insecure in your relationship. This can also lead to PTSD if not handled correctly. A person’s trauma can also be the cause of anxiety in relationships.
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How to Deal with Relationship Anxiety?
Just like other types of anxiety, you can manage your anxiety with practice and patience. You must tell your partner about your concerns regarding your relationship. Relationship anxiety usually comes in romantic relations, not with platonic ones. So, we will discuss the treatment for romantic couples.
Challenge your negative thoughts
When you feel anxiety, challenge your negative thoughts and ask your mind to provide evidence for these thoughts. If there is no proof of these thoughts, then you can take control of your anxiety. If there is evidence, consider alternative perspectives for the same situation for a balanced view.
Reflect before you act
Sometimes when we are filled with emotions, either anxiety or fear, we do think before speaking. But it can ruin your relationship, that is why it is recommended to ask your brain before speaking, specifically when you know that your words can harm your partner.
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Be transparent with your partner
Honesty is the first step in a fulfilling relationship. If you are not honest with your partner, it means that you are not loyal. So, if you want to have a happy relationship, be honest with your partner. Tell your partner about your anxiety, and then you both can go for psychotherapy, such as marriage therapy or couple therapy.
Work on self-love and self-esteem
Sometimes when you experience relationship anxiety, it is because of low self-esteem. When you do not love yourself, thoughts come to your mind like, “Why would someone love me?” These questions destroy your relationship. So, for a healthy relationship, you first should love yourself.
Understand your attachment style
Attachment style refers to how people behave in a relationship. It is based on the theory that to know your attachment style, we must know how your primary caregivers used to treat or love you. After knowing your attachment style, your partner can love you without being possessive.
Telehealth Services at Solid Foundation Psychiatry
At Solid Foundation Psychiatry, we provide the best mental health solutions. Whether it is psychosis or schizophrenia, we offer experienced professionals who deliver custom treatment for every patient. If you are looking for solutions for relationship anxiety, we provide both clinical and telepsychiatry solutions.
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Conclusion
Relationship anxiety is related to nervousness or anxiety regarding your love interest. It is primarily because of past relationships, childhood experiences, and traumas. A couple can treat their relationship anxiety by challenging negative thoughts, being honest with their partner, working on self-love, and going to couple therapy.