Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and when faced as a couple, it can sometimes put a strain on the relationship. Whether it’s financial stress, work pressure, or dealing with personal challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, or the aftermath of trauma, couples need to learn how to manage these pressures together. Remaining connected and supportive during tough times can not only help alleviate emotional burdens but also strengthen the bond between partners. Psychotherapy can play a crucial role in navigating these challenges and fostering a healthier relationship.
The Importance of Emotional Support in Managing Stress
When stress levels rise, it can feel like an overwhelming force that consumes every aspect of life, including the relationship. As each partner deals with their own emotions, there may be moments when both are struggling to stay grounded. The first step in managing this stress is ensuring open lines of communication. It’s essential to talk openly about the challenges you’re facing, without judgment, to create a safe space where both individuals can express their feelings. This mutual understanding can go a long way in decreasing anxiety and making both partners feel supported.
Couples who experience stress, depression, or panic attacks together should lean on one another and validate their emotions. It’s crucial to recognize that emotions such as sadness, fear, and frustration are valid, and talking through them with empathy helps build a strong emotional foundation.
1. Dr. R K Suri
Dr. R K Suri, a clinical psychologist at the Psychowellness Center, emphasises that dealing with stress as a couple involves recognising the triggers that worsen stress and working as a team to address them. He often suggests that couples take time for self-care practices and relaxation techniques. Activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and even gentle physical activity can help manage stress effectively. Dr. Suri advocates for couples to prioritise these wellness habits, which in turn fosters a sense of peace and connection.
2. Utkarsh Yadav
For Utkarsh Yadav, a cognitive psychologist at the Psychowellness Center, addressing stress within a relationship is about focusing on cognitive strategies. He believes that couples can benefit from learning to reframe negative thinking patterns, which are common when stress or depression sets in. “Helping individuals within the relationship identify unhelpful thoughts and challenge them can reduce tension and foster connection.”
In his sessions, Utkarsh often integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help couples better manage their stress. He encourages partners to find and question catastrophic thinking and offers tools to reframe thoughts positively. By focusing on a solution-oriented approach, couples can maintain their relationship despite external pressures.
3. Sakshi Dhankhar
Emotional resilience is key to managing stress effectively in a relationship, and Sakshi Dhankhar, a therapist specialising in emotional well-being, believes that couples must prioritise emotional self-care. By encouraging couples to engage in activities that promote emotional healing, such as mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, or journaling, Sakshi helps clients stay emotionally grounded during periods of high stress.
Sakshi also emphasises that when one partner struggles with depression or trauma, it’s essential for both individuals to approach the situation with empathy. Building emotional resilience through therapy can help individuals understand their triggers, navigate panic attacks, and support one another during tough times. She suggests that couples should always prioritise emotional safety and mutual care, particularly when one partner is going through emotional turmoil.
4. Tanu Sangwan
Tanu Sangwan, a behavioural psychologist at the Psychowellness Center, works with couples to identify unhealthy patterns that may arise during periods of stress or anxiety. She explains that many couples fall into a cycle of blame and defensiveness, which only increases tension in the relationship. Instead of focusing on each other’s flaws, Tanu encourages couples to work together to identify behaviours that contribute to stress and stress management strategies that promote mutual support. She also highlights the importance of creating positive reinforcement within a relationship. Celebrating small wins, acknowledging each other’s efforts, and staying patient during trauma recovery can significantly improve the emotional bond.
The Role of Psychotherapy in Stress Management for Couples
Psychotherapy plays a vital role in helping couples manage stress, anxiety, and depression. When individuals work with the best psychologists, they can address the root causes of their stress, develop coping mechanisms, and work through any trauma or emotional wounds that may be affecting their relationship.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, DBT, REBT and other psychotherapy modalities can be tailored to suit couples dealing with stress and panic attacks. Couples need to recognise that while life can be overwhelming, the way they approach challenges together is what will ultimately strengthen their bond. Regular therapy sessions can also act as a form of proactive relationship maintenance, ensuring that both partners have the tools they need to cope with future difficulties.
Conclusion
Managing stress as a couple requires understanding, patience, and the willingness to work through challenges together. By engaging in emotional and cognitive strategies, seeking therapy from top psychologists, and creating a safe space for each other, couples can emerge stronger even after facing difficult times. As experts at the Psychowellness Center highlight, the key is to prioritise communication, emotional safety, and mutual support to navigate stress, anxiety, and trauma successfully.
Through psychotherapy and other therapeutic tools, couples can keep a strong, supportive relationship, ensuring that even the toughest challenges do not drive them apart but rather bring them closer together.
Contributed by Ms Tanu Sangwan, Counselling Psychologist
References:
- “The Relationship Between Stress and Mental Health” – American Psychological Association (APA)
- “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Guide to Managing Stress” – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- “Stress and Marriage: How to Stay Connected” – Psychology Today
- “Managing Panic Attacks with Therapy” – Mayo Clinic