Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, often described as a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms such as
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Mental symptoms like excessive worrying, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating.
While anxiety is a normal part of life and can even be helpful in some situations (such keeping you alert in dangerous situations), it becomes problematic when it is constant, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the actual threat. When anxiety interferes with daily life, it may be considered an anxiety disorder.
In the context of relationships (couples, family, and friends), anxiety can manifest as persistent worry or fear about the relationship. This could involve concerns about being loved such as:
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of abandonment
- Doubts about the partner’s commitment
- Excessive worry about conflicts
Anxiety in relationships could look like this:
- Overthink the other person’s actions or words, wondering if they did something wrong
- Fear rejection or abandonment, leading them to seek constant reassurance
- Avoid conflict out of fear that it could lead to a breakup or cutoff, even if the issue needs to be addressed
- Doubt their self-worth, thinking they aren’t good enough for the other person
These feelings can create tension in the relationship, leading to misunderstandings or emotional distance. If the anxiety is left unaddressed, it can strain the relationship, making it difficult to feel secure, connected, and happy.
However, understanding and managing anxiety can help foster healthier relationships. Open communication, self-compassion, and, when needed, professional support can reduce the impact of anxiety, allowing for a more trusting and supportive connection between partners.
Stephanie is a licensed couples & family therapist with a Master of Professional Counselling from Monash University. She works extensively on relationships & trauma.
