When you are married you can be impacted by how your spouse feels and vice versa. This can sometimes be positive, sometimes negative and most of the time somewhere in between. If anxiety starts to manifest for either of you it can have a profound impact on your relationship and the quality of your life. 

Anyone married to someone with anxiety disorder can attest to how much the condition can affect a relationship on a day-to-day basis. While anxiety can have a variety of negative effects, it can be particularly hazardous to the health of a romantic relationship.

What Anxiety Can Do to Your Relationship

A study conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) assessed the impact of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) on relationships. Although the study specifically focused on GAD, the findings reveal that other forms of anxiety disorders can also hurt a relationship. The ADAA study serves as an eye-opener for couples experiencing the challenges of anxiety in committed relationships.

According to the ADAA study, a spouse with an anxiety disorder is less likely to have a healthy and supportive relationship with their partner, as compared to people without. A marriage where one or both spouses have anxiety is two times more likely to have at least one relationship problem, such as regular arguments and social withdrawal. While experiencing symptoms of anxiety, individuals are three times more likely to avoid being intimate with their significant other.

Anxiety can make the world feel terrifying, hindering your ability to maintain a job, open up to others, and try new experiences. The overwhelming feelings of anxiety can cause you to build up emotional walls as protection from harm that feels like it is lurking around every corner. This can dramatically impact any relationship.

Anxiety in marriage presents a challenge for the other half trying to help and care for their loved one with anxiety. Over time, this can give rise to difficult feelings, such as frustration, resentment, anger, sadness, guilt, or hopelessness, which may strain your marriage.

Being Married to a Person with an Anxiety Disorder

Struggling with anxiety involves a great deal of personal distress and a mixture of feelings. It is equally difficult for the non-anxious partner, who may play the unwanted role of being the compromiser, protector, and comforter. These extra responsibilities can be very stressful not only for the relationship, but for their physical and emotional health.

As the spouse of someone with anxiety, don’t consider it selfish to take care of yourself while you provide support for your partner. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Maintaining your well-being can help you remain healthy. You may also consider the benefits of counseling if anxiety is hurting your marriage.

Counseling: Stop Anxiety from Hurting Your Relationship

Anxiety can have profound effects on your marriage. It does not mean, though, that your relationship is doomed. Thankfully, anxiety disorders are treatable and respond well to therapy.

If you or your spouse have an anxiety disorder that is disrupting your marriage and quality of life, you have the power to seek help. It can be difficult to admit that anxiety may be impacting your relationship, though it is likely you will be glad that you did.

Anxiety can create a great deal of resentment and distress in your relationship. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with counselors who have expertise and experience in helping couples whose marriages are affected by anxiety disorders. Talking about how anxiety has affected your marriage can be liberating. Counseling can provide you with the tools you need to put anxiety in the past. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!

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