No marriage is the same, however, a beautiful, satisfying relationship can bring a great deal of joy. The opposite can also be true. When our closest relationships are in conflict it can be difficult to feel joy. Marital conflict can affect both your physical and mental health, impacting the way you live your life each day. 

Like any relationship, there will be conflict and disagreement in your marriage. There are many events and stressors you will face with your partner that can lead to distress and even miscommunication. Anxiety can add an additional layer of difficulty in your relationship. 

Anxiety in Your Marriage

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) conducted a study to assess the impact of anxiety on relationships including those diagnosed with “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” or GAD. The study suggests that those with GAD have a decreased chance of staying in a healthy and supportive intimate relationship than those without GAD. Additional findings from the study showed:

• Those with GAD are twice as likely to have at least one relationship problem with their significant other. This includes regular arguments, intimacy issues, communication problems, and social withdrawal.
• Anxiety impairs the ability of the anxious spouse to perform daily activities with their partner.
• More than half of the respondents feel as though their relationship with their spouse has a good chance of improving if they did not have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can affect the way a couple functions together. Everyday situations can become extremely frightening; experiences which are only mildly stressful to most can become a source of panic. Left unaddressed, anxiety rarely improves on its own. Anxiety is treatable and can improve with therapy. 

Reclaiming Your Marriage

Learning more about anxiety can improve your life and your relationship. Anxiety can be overwhelming and feel all-consuming at times. This can cause a great deal of damage to your relationship, if you let it. You are not powerless against anxiety. 

Counseling can help you and your spouse to learn more about anxiety and decrease the impact it has on your life together. Psychiatric medication management can also be a powerful tool in treating anxiety. When symptoms of anxiety are better managed many find they are able to make more progress in therapy. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, NC contracts with licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals who know how to treat anxiety. Don’t let anxiety take over your relationship. Reach out to CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and many more. Online appointments are also available making getting quality mental health treatment anywhere in North Carolina easier than ever before!

Related Articles:

• Anxiety: The Unwanted Third Party in Your Marriage
• Loosening the Grip of Anxiety: Adventuring Through Life without Fear
• What You Should Know About Anxiety to Improve Your Life

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.