Relationship Anxiety: In the journey of life, relationships are among our most cherished and complex experiences. They offer love, support, joy, and companionship, but can also be a source of anxiety and worry. Relationship anxiety is a form of anxiety concerning romantic relationships. Instead of being a source of comfort, for some, relationships can become a source of incessant worry and fear. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it?

Relationship anxiety can stem from a variety of sources. Past experiences of betrayal, loss, or trauma can significantly influence one’s outlook on current and future relationships – this is why it can also be known as attachment anxiety. Insecurities about oneself, fear of rejection, or the dread of ending up alone are also common triggers. This form of anxiety often manifests in a constant search for reassurance, an inability to trust one’s partner, or even sabotaging the relationship, albeit unintentionally.

Relationship anxiety can be an excruciating experience for those who endure it, akin to navigating a maze without an exit. It’s a state where the mind becomes a battleground of “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios, relentlessly questioning the stability of one’s relationship and the sincerity of a partner’s affections. This relentless internal dialogue can be torturous, as the sufferer is caught in a loop of seeking reassurance and yet never quite finding solace. The constant need for validation and fear of abandonment can strain not just the relationship but the individual’s mental health, leading to sleepless nights, a drop in self-esteem, and an inability to enjoy the present moments of companionship. The paradox of relationship anxiety is that it stems from a deep yearning for connection and love, yet it erects barriers that make these very things seem unattainable, trapping the individual in a cycle of emotional turmoil and isolation. Relationship anxiety is a challenging yet surmountable obstacle. With the right strategies, such as those offered by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a commitment to open communication and self-reflection, individuals can navigate these waters to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength and an important step towards understanding and managing anxiety in a healthy way.

When a problem with anxiety develops it takes our perfectly natural evolutionary defence system and hijacks it so that we become generally anxious, health anxious, socially anxious, phobic, obsessive compulsive, traumatised after an event (PTSD) or suffer from sudden panic attacks.

Check out our blog post on romantic relationship Anxiety and why partners get anxious. Our therapists who work with relationship anxiety are Michael Ledden, Tara Morrissey, Aoife Doyle, Sean Thunder, Stephen Keogh, Elaine Garrigan and Sinead O’Hare.

Thousands of people in Ireland suffer in silence with many kinds of anxiety difficulties, yet relationship anxiety is probably one of the ones that can effect us the most. Relationship anxiety doesn’t become a huge debilitating problem overnight but over time it digs itself into us so that we’re paralysed. Often when we really notice it, it has really set in and we can feel like we’ve gone crazy.

Early intervention or even crisis intervention counselling/psychotherapy is way of giving sufferers back control over their thoughts and ultimately how they feel. Anxiety Ireland has fully trained counselors nationwide on standby to assist you in taking back control of these problems. Our network of counselors are working online and over the phone so they can be free to reach you where you are located.