How Do I Cope with Relationship Anxiety?

Relationship anxiety can be a deeply distressing experience, often causing turmoil not only within ourselves but also within the dynamics of our relationships. The constant worry, doubt, and fear that accompany relationship anxiety can take a significant toll on our emotional well-being, affecting our ability to trust, communicate, and connect with our partners. Understanding “What does relationship anxiety look like?” and recognizing the impact of relationship anxiety is the first step toward addressing it effectively.

At Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates, we understand the complexities of relationship anxiety and offer a comprehensive approach to help individuals navigate this challenging experience. Our therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment to explore the underlying causes of anxiety, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate healthier relationship dynamics. Through a combination of evidence-based therapies, self-reflection exercises, and practical strategies, we empower our clients to manage and reduce their relationship anxiety, ultimately fostering a deeper and more fulfilling connection with their partners.

In this blog, we delve into some of the common questions and concerns surrounding relationship anxiety, offering insights and guidance on how to cope with this emotional challenge. Whether you're struggling with trust issues, communication breakdowns, or intrusive thoughts, our aim is to provide you with the tools and support you need with anxiety therapy to overcome relationship anxiety and cultivate a stronger, more resilient partnership.

Will I Ever Get Over Relationship Anxiety?

So, “Does relationship anxiety go away?”. Yes, it is possible to overcome relationship anxiety with the right strategies and support. Through working together with your therapist, you can learn to recognize the triggers for your relationship anxiety and uncover the earlier experiences that contribute to your relationship fears. Understanding your triggers and their causes helps to reduce relationship anxiety as it helps you to recognize what is happening in the moment, and to better differentiate anxiety from the facts in your relationships. As you spend less time worrying and reacting in your relationship, it opens up space to think about the relationships you want to have in your life - what do you find supportive, loving, secure, and joyful? From there, you and your therapist can work to change how you interpret and react to your former triggers, paving the way for happier connections and less relationship anxiety.  

Is Relationship Anxiety a Mental Illness?

Relationship anxiety is not classified as a standalone mental illness, but it can be a symptom of broader anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attachment Disorders can all contribute to feelings of anxiety within relationships. Individuals with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders may also experience relationship anxiety due to challenges with social interactions. While many clients come to us seeking support for relationship anxiety, your therapist can help you determine whether this is part of a broader anxiety pattern, and provide the necessary support to address both the specific relationship anxiety and any underlying mental health concerns.

How Do You Fix an Anxious Relationship?

Fixing an anxious relationship involves work from the individuals separately as well as from the partners working together. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Communication: Work to build your skills around open and honest communication. Practice sharing your feelings and fears with your partner, and listening to theirs, without judgment or interruption  

2. Self-Reflection: Practice pausing before reacting. Notice what you are feeling, in your emotions and in your body.  These self-reflective skills help you to recognize your reactions without automatically acting on them, giving you time to notice your initial anxious responses and engage in ways that align with your relationship goals.  

3. Anxiety Therapy: Seek professional help from anxiety therapists like those at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates. Anxiety therapy not only teaches the tools to manage anxiety but also provides a safe space to practice these skills in your relationship with the therapist so that you can then carry them into your relationships with family, friends, and partners. 

4. Healthy Boundaries: Establishing and respecting boundaries can help reduce anxiety by creating a sense of security and mutual respect.  Resentment is a sign that you are giving more than you have the capacity for. By reflecting on your needs and increasing your sense of agency, you can set boundaries that work for you and reduce resentment. While this can be a particularly challenging shift for everyone involved, it leads to healthier relationships in the long run.

Is It Relationship Anxiety or Incompatibility?

Distinguishing between relationship anxiety and incompatibility can be challenging. You may wonder often, “What does relationship anxiety feel like?”. Relationship anxiety often stems from internal fears and insecurities, while incompatibility involves fundamental differences in values, goals, or lifestyles. A few tools can help you to  differentiate between the two:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on whether your anxiety is a recurring pattern throughout your relationships, or specific to your current one.  Look for patterns of anxiety and strain in other areas. Do you generally have trouble feeling relaxed and secure, or is there something about this partnership that feels different?

2. Anxiety Therapy: Working with a therapist can help you determine if anxiety is the primary issue, and if your level of anxiety is “normative” or “clinical.”  They can also help you to reflect on your needs and values around relationships, and whether you feel compatible with your partner or are straining to make an incompatible relationship fit out of love or anxiety.  

3. Communication: Discuss your concerns with your partner.  Do you have an accurate understanding of what they think, need, or value?  Sometimes anxiety causes us to “fortune tell” or “catastrophize,” which makes our assessment of a situation less accurate. Discussing your concerns with your partner can help you both gain clarity on your compatibility, and whether you are both interested in working through any necessary compromises.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Coping with relationship anxiety is a process of growth and self-discovery. At Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates, we are committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey to overcome relationship anxiety. Our therapeutic approaches are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of each client, providing a safe and nurturing space for healing and growth. If you're struggling with relationship anxiety, we encourage you to reach out for professional support. With the right tools and guidance, you can break free from the grip of anxiety and create a relationship characterized by trust, connection, and mutual support.

Break Free From Relationship Anxiety with Anxiety Therapy in Washington D.C.

Learn how to effectively cope with relationship anxiety by seeking anxiety therapy. Our skilled anxiety therapists at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates offer personalized strategies to help you manage your anxiety and build stronger, healthier relationships. Start your journey towards emotional stability and relationship satisfaction. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see if Anxiety Therapy is right for you.

2. Begin meeting with one of our skilled anxiety therapists.

3. Start managing your relationship anxiety in positive ways.

Other Services Offered at Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates in Washington D.C. & Virginia

At Dr. Dawn Johnson & Associates, we want to help you thrive. In addition to helping you cope with your relationship anxiety with anxiety therapy, we also offer services for those struggling with depression, relationships, infertility, academic or work concerns, disordered eating, and more.