Understanding and Managing Relationship Anxiety as a Young Adult in Atlanta

Shows a couple who are having an argument and look anxious. Represents how an anxiety therapist decatur, ga can support anxious couples with online therapy atlanta if space is needed.

As a young adult in Atlanta or anywhere else, relationships are hard. You may find yourself constantly worrying about your partner leaving you, being cheated on, or not being good enough. This type of anxiety is common and can be known as relationship anxiety. However, your world as a young adult is full of anxiety. You’re probably anxious about more than your relationships but maybe this is where it manifests the most.

As a marriage and anxiety therapist in Decatur, GA, I see a lot of young adults struggling in relationships. They know they have anxiety. Whether it was formally diagnosed or on social media. But they don’t know how to manage it. So, in this blog, we are going to talk about understanding and managing relationship anxiety as a young adult in Atlanta.

What is Relationship Anxiety? Shows a young woman holding the bridge of her nose in frustration and holding glasses. Represents how a marriage counselor in atlanta, ga with online therapy atlanta can help you work through relationship anxiety.

Relationship anxiety is the constant fear or worry about your romantic relationship. It can manifest in different ways but common thoughts associated with relationship anxiety include: “What if my partner leaves me?”, “Am I good enough for them?”, “What if they cheat on me?”, or “They seem distant – do they still love me?”. You may also feel physical symptoms such as an accelerated heart rate, tightness in your chest, or difficulty breathing when these thoughts arise.

Relationship anxiety often stems from past experiences or attachment styles developed in childhood. It can also be triggered by current relationship dynamics or a lack of self-esteem and confidence. For example, if your ex was distant before breaking up with you, you may develop a fear of your current partner doing the same. Or if you have low self-esteem, you may constantly doubt your worthiness in the relationship. This can make it hard for you to want to be in relationships. It can also make it hard for you to have healthy relationships as you might be the partner version of a helicopter parent.

How Do I Manage Relationship Anxiety?

You are probably wondering, “How do I manage this anxiety in my relationship?”. The answer? It depends on you, your relationship, and your individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing relationship anxiety. But think of how someone, like an anxiety therapist in Decatur, GA, would answer if it was solely about anxiety. What would they suggest?

This might seem silly, but think about it. Your current relationship issues stem from where? Anxiety. So, managing relationship anxiety should mean managing your anxiety in general. When you get to the root of the problem it can help you reframe your thoughts and reactions. So, how do you manage anxiety?

Unplug and Focus

As I mentioned before, your life as a young adult is in a state of constant anxiety. There is no lack of stimulation anywhere you turn. Your phone is constantly dinging from social media notifications or texts. Netflix has become the white noise in your life. Podcasts are constantly streaming while you’re at work, driving, or even sleeping. When was the last time you just unplugged? I know it’s hard because we are so connected to the digital world, but taking a break from it can do wonders for your anxiety. Take some time each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to unplug and focus on yourself. This can include meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.

Also, while technology is useful, it is not great for your mental or physical health. Instead of going for a walk after dinner, you are your partner are streaming Love Island. Or, instead of reading a paperback book, you’re reading on your phone. It not only makes your brain addicted to the stimulation you’re constantly giving it, it becomes overwhelmed. Not to mention the blue light begins to replace the amount of sunlight you are getting. All of which can increase your anxiety.

Connect with Nature

Now, let’s pretend you are unplugged right now. You might be thinking, “Okay. What do I do now?” Well, there’s the whole outside to explore. Go outside and just ground yourself. This can look like hugging a tree (it works, I promise), going for a walk, breathing in the fresh air, or just sitting in the grass. Connecting with nature has been proven to decrease anxiety levels and promote feelings of calmness. Also, exercise! It does not have to be anything crazy. You don’t need to train like you’re preparing for the Olympics. Just go outside and take a leisurely walk or bike ride. The fresh air can do wonders for your mental health.

Find a Method to Get Things Done Shows a young man drinking coffee and typing on his laptop. Represents how an anxiety therapist decatur, ga would recommend seeing a therapist decatur ga to work on anxiety.

When you have anxiety, it can be hectic trying to get everything done. You might find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating because of your anxiety. This only adds to your stress and can make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, try finding a method that works for you to get things done efficiently. This could be time blocking and having 25 minutes to work on a task, followed by a 5-minute break. Or using a planner to keep track of your responsibilities and deadlines. By having a plan in place, you can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety around getting things done.

Because what happens when you push yourself too hard about something? The result is you feel burnt out and you won’t end up doing anything. Instead, remember to take breaks and give yourself time to relax. You are not a superhuman – it’s okay to slow down and take care of yourself.

This Also Goes For, You’ll Never Guess, Social Media.

Have a time block for how much time you want to spend on social media each day. Go back to why you’re here right now – relationship anxiety, and managing your anxiety in general. If social media is triggering for you, limit your time on it. Focus on the present moment and what truly matters to you. Remember, social media is not real life and it’s important to have boundaries with it for your mental health.

If You Wrote a Memoir, Would This Be Included?

As an anxiety therapist in Decatur, GA, I see a lot of couples and individuals who struggle with relationship anxiety. One partner will find themselves becoming upset over something their anxiety deems as a “red flag,” while the other partner is completely confused by their reaction. This can cause tension and misunderstandings in the relationship. When your anxiety sees red flags, it wants you to act right then. But let me propose something.

Think as if you were going to write a memoir about your life. Would this moment make it into the book? Think about how mad, sad, or happy you are. Or even how anxious you are that your partner is going to leave. Would this moment in your relationship, or just your life, make it into your memoir? If the answer is no, then rather than focusing on it, try to let it go. Just like how you wouldn’t waste time writing about a meaningless moment in your memoir, don’t waste energy on things that won’t matter in the long run. Take 5 minutes to take a walk, meditate, or something to validate your feelings but then let it go.

Also, Don’t Try to Control Your Partner

Speaking of letting your anxiety decide how you react, let’s talk about trying to control your partner for a second. Your anxiety may tell you that if you can just control the situation or your partner, then everything will be okay. But in reality, this only creates more stress and tension in the relationship. You might find yourself calling or texting them saying, “You didn’t call me at 6:05 when I know that’s the time you should have been home!” Control is a coping mechanism for anxiety, but it isn’t healthy in relationships. Your partner is their own person and doesn’t need you to control them. Trust in the relationship and trust that your partner cares about you.

And in this process, make sure to validate your partner’s feelings. While they might not be responding to the extreme the way your anxiety might want them to, their feelings are still valid. Make sure to listen and understand where they’re coming from, rather than shutting down or trying to control the situation. If you struggle with this, reach out to a marriage counselor in Atlanta, GA for additional support and guidance.

Your Partner Likes You But They Have Different Interests

When your partner is scheduling a night with their friends or going out to do things you don’t like, that’s okay. Your anxiety might tell you that they’re going to meet someone else who shares their interests and leaves you. But in reality, it’s important for both individuals in a relationship to have their own hobbies and interests. This allows for personal growth and time apart, which can ultimately strengthen the relationship. Giving space for you both to participate in your own interests can also alleviate any pressure or expectations you may have for your partner to fulfill all of your needs and desires.

This is a time that you can make for yourself. You can watch the show your partner hasn’t caught up to, or cook that meal you love but your partner doesn’t. It’s important to create space for each other and not rely solely on the relationship for your happiness. Plus, you don’t have to be together every waking moment. Because if this all were the cause, you would end up losing yourself. Remember to take care of yourself and your own interests, as this will ultimately benefit the relationship in the long run.

Seek Insight From an Older Couple

If your relationship anxiety is causing you to feel unsure about your future with your partner, seek insight from an older couple. They have years of experience and can offer valuable advice on how to navigate through the ups and downs of a long-term relationship. This can also reassure you that every relationship has its challenges but that with communication, trust, and compromise. That it is possible to have a strong and fulfilling partnership. An older couple will be able to talk about what they have done to alleviate stress and anxiety in their own relationship, as well as share any mistakes they have made. This can help provide new perspectives and strategies for managing your relationship anxiety.

What is Your Motivation for Dating? Shows a happy biracial family sitting on the couch smiling away from the camera. Represents how working with a therapist decatur ga who is also ananxiety therapist decatur, ga can support couples dealing with anxiety.

Your relationship anxiety can also stem from the fact your motivation does not align with your partner’s. You may be looking for a long-term commitment, while your partner is only interested in something casual. This misalignment can cause tension and anxiety within the relationship. If you’re dating just for fun, that’s okay but make sure you’re clear with yourself and your partner about your intentions. Being transparent can prevent misunderstandings and potentially hurt feelings down the line.

On the other hand, if you are seeking a long-term relationship, it’s important to communicate that with your partner and ensure that they share the same goal. Understanding what you want and how you date can also help alleviate relationship anxiety. By being honest with yourself and your partner, you can set realistic expectations for the relationship and avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.

Growth is Okay!

As individuals, we are constantly growing and evolving. This also applies to our relationships. It’s important to remember that change and growth within a relationship is healthy and normal. Your anxiety might tell you that any changes or differences in your relationship are a sign of trouble, but this isn’t necessarily true. People change, circumstances change, and relationships evolve accordingly. Embrace these changes as an opportunity for growth and learning within the relationship rather than viewing them as red flags. Remember, managing your relationship anxiety takes time and effort from both partners. Be patient with yourself and your partner as you navigate through this journey together. And always remember to communicate openly and honestly with each other to build a strong and supportive relationship.

Manage Your Anxiety with an Anxiety Therapist in Decatur, GA

If you find that your relationship anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life and relationships, it may be beneficial to seek support from an anxiety therapist. A trained anxiety therapist in Decatur, GA who is also a marriage counselor can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety in relationships. They can also provide effective coping strategies for managing it in a healthy way. Whether you choose to attend therapy sessions in person or opt for online therapy in Atlanta, GA, seeking professional help can greatly benefit your mental and emotional well-being. At Faith and Family Empowerment, our founder William Hemphill, specializes in anxiety therapy and has helped many individuals navigate through their relationship anxiety. He offers online therapy in Atlanta, GA because he understands couples and individuals have busy schedules and may prefer virtual sessions. Our Decatur, GA-based practice offers a place for couples and individuals to receive compassionate guidance and support as they work through their relationship anxiety. When you’re ready to begin counseling these steps:

  1. Contact me to schedule an initial appointment
  2. Learn more about me and my services
  3. Manage your anxiety and improve your relationships!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment

Addressing anxiety in couples therapy or marriage counseling in Atlanta, GA is just one of the many services offered at Faith and Family Empowerment in Decatur, GA. I’m happy to offer a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include premarital counseling and discernment counseling. Other mental health services include: Online Therapy, Christian Counseling, Depression Support Groups, and Counseling for Affair Recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!

About the AuthorShows a picture of William Hemphill who is a marriage counselor in Alanta, GA and the owner of Faith and Family Empowerment. Represents how an anxiety therapist decatur, ga can address your relationship anxiety.

Meet William Hemphill, a seasoned therapist in Decatur, GA, with over twenty years of experience, dedicated to helping young adults navigate relationship anxiety. If you’re feeling uncertain about your relationship or just want some guidance, William provides personalized support and effective strategies to help you gain confidence and clarity. As the visionary behind Faith and Family Empowerment, he gets the complexities of modern relationships and is here to help you build stronger connections. Whether you want to improve self-awareness, boost your self-confidence, or create a more fulfilling relationship, William’s empathetic approach and expertise are just what you need. He’s also available for speaking engagements on relationship topics. Reach out for more details, and learn how you can enhance your relationship journey. Contact William today.



315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030, suite 842

willhemphill2@gmail.com
(678) 257-7831

 

 

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