Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety in Intimate Relationships

Romantic partners may experience both physical and emotional anxiety that can inhibit intimacy and lead to relationship strain. Psychologists at Mental Help online suggest you may be able to resolve anxiety issues through behavior modification and therapy.

Features

• People experiencing anxiety may withdraw from their partners, feel as though they are being judged, be self-conscious and experience extreme worry, explains HelpGuide.org.

Causes

• Anxiety related to intimacy may be related to past negative experiences in relationships, abuse, and generalized anxiety and social phobia, says HelpGuide.org and the Anxiety Centre.

Expert Insight

• According to Mental Help's Dr. Mark Dombeck, "intimacy involves vulnerability," which may cause anxiety in both partners.

Effects

• Dr. Paul Coleman of the Midwest Stress Center states that chronic anxiety can negatively impact intimacy. He further explains that decreased intimacy can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• Coleman recommends "defining your needs and wants" and asserting yourself in your relationship. "If you hide your true self because of fear, panic, or anxiety, then it is impossible for anyone to get to know you," he explains.