How Relationship Issues Impact Mental Health
Relationships are an integral part of our lives, and when they go awry, they can impact mental health. Whether it's a new connection or a long-term partnership, being with someone can expose us to new opportunities, beautiful moments, and great learning curves. But, at the same time, it can also bring challenges, misunderstandings, and stress that can consequently affect our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This blog post will explore how relationship issues impact mental health and what can be done about them.
Relationship issues impact the way we think about ourselves and our relationships:
Most people invest a lot of energy in their relationships, of course, with love, communication, support, and a good dose of commitment. But when things are not going well, we may start to doubt ourselves and wonder if we are enough. Alternatively, we may attribute our problems to inadequacies in our partner, thus leading to misunderstandings and conflict. As a result, low self-esteem might arise, and we may feel hopeless about the relationship (1). At this stage, it's essential to recognize that the problem is not necessarily with you. Instead, it could be a communication problem or other problems associated with the relationship. Again, speaking with a therapist might provide new insights, which can help you think positively about yourself and your relationships.
Relationship issues can lower your mood or make you anxious:
Being in a relationship is no guarantee that you'll be free from stress or anxiety. However, it's more likely to manifest in situations when your relationship isn't strong. For example, prolonged fights, disagreements, or misunderstandings in a relationship could cause anxiety or depression (2). You may have insomnia, experience a change in mood or appetite, and lose interest in once pleasurable activities. If your relationship issues affect your mental health, it's recommended you seek professional help.
Relationship struggles can lower your social meter:
When your relationship isn't going well, it's understandable that you'll become more insular, withdrawn, and less sociable. Focusing more on your relationship issues may take up a lot of your emotional bandwidth and time, leaving little for friends and family. As a result, you might feel more lonely, socially isolated, and unsupported. If this goes unchecked, it can lead to mental health problems such as secondary depression. To avoid this, consider reaching out to your social network or finding new friends wherever possible.
Relationship issues and addiction:
People that suffer from relationship issues may gravitate towards substances as a way of coping. While it may provide temporary relief, drugs, and alcohol could cause long-term mental health problems. An excellent way to curb addiction is by working through relational issues and creating healthy coping mechanisms that don't involve drugs or alcohol.
Seeking professional help:
Finally, if you're experiencing problems in your relationship, seeking professional help might be your best option. A mental health professional can help you explore the underlying issues bringing stress in your relationship, guide identifying triggers, and create healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress. At Rouse Relational Wellness, our therapists specialize in attachment-based approaches to relationship counseling to help couples deal with the underlying issues that cause conflict.
Relationship issues can cause a myriad of mental health problems affecting psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Addressing those issues by reaching out to a mental health professional is the only way to get the support you need and deserve. At Rouse Relational Wellness, we are committed to helping couples experiencing relationship issues navigate their way back to a healthy and thriving relationship. Schedule your free phone consultation today, and let us help you take the first step towards a better relationship.
References:
Poucher, J., Prager, K. J., Shirvani, F., Parsons, J., & Patel, J. (2022). Intimacy, attachment to the partner, and daily well-being in romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(6), 1574–1601. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211060392
Gilmour, A. L., Whisman, M. A., & Whitton, S. W. (2022). A dyadic analysis of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms among same-sex couples. Journal of family psychology, 36(3), 372.