Stress the Cause not a Symptom of Marriage Problems

Stressed? Are you sure it’s your marriage that’s stressing you out or is life in generally just getting you down? Stress is a common cause of marriage problems. It doesn’t matter how the stress started, whatever the reason, stress can cause lasting damage to your marriage.

A rock solid marriage can help reduce stress, a problem shared is a problem halved, but stress related symptoms such as continuing mood swings, sleeping problems, depression and failure to communicate can cause real problems in a marriage.

It is far easier for a partner to help and support during periods of stress if they know and understand what the problem is even if it’s a marriage problem.  But if turning to your partner seems too daunting or, for you, is just not an option then you should look at external sources of help for your stress such as a discrete friend, your GP or a counsellor.

Many people struggle with stress during their lives with a wide range of issues including financial problems, personal appearance, health, marriage problems, bereavement and work.  If stress is left unchecked and the cause is a continuing problem it not only makes every day hard to cope with but it can impact on your partner, your family and your marriage.

It is possible to learn to control your own levels of stress through: 

• Lifestyle changes -  
o Exercise,
o changing your diet,
o not agreeing to do things you don’t have time to do
o allowing yourself time to relax.
• Eliminating the reason for your stress
• learning to laugh again (link)
• getting support -
o partner
o friends
o family
o counsellor
o GP

Useful Resources:
International Stress Management Association (www.isma-usa.org/),  (www.isma.org.uk/)
Stress the Silent Killer - Free with Save your Marriage