How To Handle Relationship Anxiety
Having “butterflies” in your stomach at the start of a new relationship can feel good and exciting. A few nerves are normal, especially at the beginning of a relationship. You’re trying to put your best foot forward, learn about someone new, and you’re excited about the possibility of a real, loving connection.
But, there’s a difference between butterflies that cause excitement and nerves that cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Whether you’re in a new relationship or you’ve been with your partner for a while, relationship anxiety is very real and can wreak havoc on your connection.
Relationship anxiety can lead to excessive stress, fear, and lasting worry that impacts you and your partner. But, there are things you can do to manage it.
Signs of Relationship Anxiety
Again, it’s normal to have nerves sometimes. You might even have occasional concerns about your relationship. After all, no couple is perfect. But, when those nerves or concerns start to take over and they don’t seem to go away, consider it a red flag.
Some of the most common signs of relationship anxiety include:
Overthinking
Doubting your partner
Needing constant reassurance
Seeking out problems
Fear of abandonment
Sound familiar? If you find yourself worrying about your relationship more than actually enjoying it, there’s a good chance you’re struggling with relationship anxiety. It can stem from a variety of issues. Maybe you were traumatized by a past relationship. Attachment issues from childhood could even cause you to feel uneasy or uncertain. Your self-esteem could play a role if you feel like you’re not good enough for your partner.
So, what can you do to handle this kind of anxiety before it damages your relationship?
Talk to Your Partner
The best thing you can do to fight back against relationship anxiety is to openly communicate with your partner. Communication is essential to any healthy relationship — especially if you’re struggling with something.
Vulnerability isn’t easy. But, it’s a necessary step. If your partner knows that you’re anxious, they can work on providing you with the things you need to reduce those feelings of worry. It will strengthen your intimacy and bond and you won’t feel like you have to hide your true emotions.
Be More Mindful
Anxiety is often fueled by the unknown. You might find yourself thinking about the “what ifs” of the future or things you wish you would have done differently in the past.
Practicing mindfulness is a great way to combat those thoughts. Close your eyes and focus on deep, slow breaths. Concentrate on how your body feels in that very moment. Thoughts will continue to try to sneak in, but let them pass by, like clouds you can’t get ahold of.
Try a few minutes of mindfulness every day. It can make a difference in your overall stress level and can keep you more centered in the present.
Focus On Your Well-Being
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you have relationship anxiety is relying on your partner to fix things. They can help and support — and they should. But, you have to focus on your own well-being and put in the work to take care of yourself.
Self-care practices like exercising, journaling, and doing things that make you feel good are all fantastic ways to boost your mood, reduce stress, and realize that you have a strong identity outside of your relationship. These things can help to reduce anxiety and improve your self-esteem.
Talk to a Professional
If you’re still struggling with relationship anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Therapy is a great way to get to the root cause of your anxiety, which is often the first step in overcoming it.
Don’t let relationship anxiety come between you and your partner or keep you from having a healthy connection. Contact me for more information or to set up an appointment soon.
