Having ananxiety disordercan impact relationships in different ways.

Understanding the different ways feelings of anxiety might interfere with your relationships can help you find ways to cope.

People who have anxiety disorders are more likely to be single and have higher rates of divorce.

Young woman sitting on sofa, looking at distressed man at table

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How Anxiety Affects Relationships

There are a few major ways that anxiety can impact a relationship.

When you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, you may respond by being either too dependent or too avoidant.

Both responses can take a toll on how you interact and communicate with others.

There are treatments that can help youmanage your anxiety, improve your communication, and develop healthierinterpersonal relationships.

Medications

Medication is often an essential part of anxiety treatment.

Medications are often most effective when they are used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

A mental health professional can help one explore past and present relationships and the emotions surrounding those interpersonal connections.

A therapist will also help you understand how anxiety impacts your relationships.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

With proper treatment, you might develop healthy, long-lasting, and fulfilling connections with others.

It can also be helpful to talk about your anxiety with your partner or other loved ones.

People with anxiety may sometimes respond by either seeking reassurance or avoiding rejection.

Anxiety can lead to excessive worry, anger, or irritability.

Constantly seeking reassurance can be stressful for both people in the relationship and contribute to arguments.

Priest JB.Anxiety disorders and the quality of relationships with friends, relatives, and romantic partners.J Clin Psychol.

2013;69(1):78-88. doi:10.1002/jclp.21925

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.