5 Tips for How to Get Over Relationship Anxiety

Relationship anxiety encompasses a range of fears and insecurities about one’s romantic relationship. Common symptoms include excessive worrying about the relationship’s future, fear of abandonment, and doubting one’s partner’s feelings. 

Left unchecked, relationship anxiety can strain partnerships, leading to conflicts, misunderstandings, and emotional distress. Addressing anxiety is crucial for maintaining a healthy, fulfilling relationship. Both partners benefit from a more stable and trusting connection, paving the way for long-term happiness. Below we delve into tips for how to get over relationship anxiety and when to seek professional help for anxiety-related symptoms. 

5 tips for how to get over relationship anxiety

Getting over relationship anxiety looks different for everyone, but here are some tips for getting started. 

1. Know the signs of relationship anxiety

Here are some common signs of relationship anxiety: 

• Fear, jealousy, and overthinking 
• Emotional distress 
• Physical anxiety symptoms like insomnia and tension 
• Clinginess, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking

2. Identify the cause of your relationship anxiety

Experiences from a past relationship can significantly impact one’s current relationship dynamics. Negative experiences, such as betrayal or emotional abuse, can create lingering trust issues that resurface in a new relationship. Personal insecurity and low self-esteem can fuel relationship anxiety, leading to excessive worry about the relationship’s stability and furthering a relationship issue.

Also, attachment theory explains that early childhood interactions with caregivers shape how individuals approach relationships. An anxious attachment style, characterized by fear of abandonment and a constant need for reassurance, can manifest as relationship anxiety in adulthood.

3. Practice self-care 

Self-care practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety. These techniques promote relaxation and emotional regulation. Writing about your thoughts and feelings can also be therapeutic. Journaling helps process emotions and provides a safe outlet for expressing anxiety.

4. Build healthier relationships

Spend quality time together by planning meaningful activities and dates. Foster support and understanding through empathy and open communication about fears and boundaries. Manage conflicts with active listening and compromise. Regular check-ins help maintain a healthy relationship dynamic.

5. Seek professional help

If relationship anxiety is taking a toll on your mental health, individual and couples therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing relationship anxiety. Therapists can help identify underlying causes and offer techniques to cope with anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another effective treatment for those struggling with anxious thoughts regarding their relationship. CBT assists people in identifying, challenging, and altering inaccurate or negative thoughts, promoting more effective responses.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with relationship anxiety, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing anxious feelings is possible.