How Does Stress Impact Relationships?

Stress can negatively impact individuals, but it can also put a strain on relationships. Let’s take a look at how stress can affect our romantic partnerships.

Stress can make it difficult for us to engage with each other.

When we are feeling stressed and overwhelmed our problems can seem all-consuming, leaving less headspace to focus on the people that we love.

Preoccupation with our own stress can lead us to accidentally neglect our partner’s emotional needs, creating distance and even resentment.

Sometimes, when we are stressed, we withdraw into ourselves and “clam up”. Communication between partners can start to break down, with potentially one partner feeling alone and the other feeling “shut out”.

Stress can cause an increase in conflicts in relationships.

Feeling overwhelmed leaves us with little capacity to deal with the inevitable challenges life throws at us. We can be irritable, frustrated and impatient creating fertile ground for conflict.

Stressed out parents are likely to find “rolling with the punches” of family life a lot more challenging, maybe even impossible. This can lead to disagreements on parenting styles or lack of involvement, which can create tension between partners.

Stress can lead to a reduced sense of fun.

High levels of stress can reduce our enthusiasm and interest in the activities we usually enjoy as well as decreasing our libido. In turn, this can lead to less physical and emotional intimacy and reduced overall relationship satisfaction.

It's important for partners to recognise the impact of stress on their relationship and work to manage stress effectively.

If you want help to manage stress and overwhelm get in touch on 07961928095 or krissy@counsellingwithkrissy.co.uk .