Impact Stress Can Have on a Relationship
When people having difficulty managing the stress in their lives, it can lead to relationship problems. If someone is stressed about work, extended family, or financial problems, it will impact their relationship if they do not learn ways to manage the stress. When people feel they are under a lot of stress, it impacts them physically and emotionally. A variety of health issues can result from stress. People experience headaches, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and a reduced immunity to various health conditions. Stress causes people to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and depressed.
Everyone has stress in their lives. Learning healthy coping skills allows some people to handle stress much better than others. Eating healthy, getting exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help reduce stress. Other stress reduction skills include learning meditation or yoga, spending time with friends and family, and participitating in leisure time activities.
People who are having difficulty managing their stress may yell at their partner more or seem emotionally distant. They may seem worried or pre-occupied much of the time. They also may be more irritable or demanding. Some people isolate themselves and lack motivation. They may appear depressed and have difficulty making small decisions.
Stress tends to get worse if it is not dealt with effectively. Ignoring problems does not make them go away. Too much stress may signal a need to make lifestyle changes and when people ignore these signs, stress often becomes worse. Perhaps a person works too much or tends to be too hard on themselves about everything. Making small changes sometimes can make a big difference.
If you or your partner are having difficulty managing stress, seek help. Individual therapy can help people learn stress reduction skills. Couples therapy may help couples who are dealing with stressful situations together. For example, a couple facing bankruptcy may benefit from some couples work to help them to learn new strategies to manage their stress and plan for their future.
