Does being in a relationship improve your anxiety or make it worse?

[OffTheWall]

I have been single for a while now due to anxiety and self confidence issues. I met someone a few weeks ago who has made it very clear he wants to take things further. I have turned him down, as I am just not ready to be with anyone at the moment, and I don't want to use him to test this out.

Does or did you anxiety improve when you have found someone? Part of me thinks it would because you have a someone close to confide in and calm you, but another part of me thinks the stresses of a relationship could make things worse. :shrug::unsure:

[SLA]

Mine improved. I spent more time doing things, and getting on with life.

If you let anxiety limit your options in life, you'll eventually end up depressed, because you are not leading a fulfilled life.

So, if you turned that guy down because you genuinelly weren't ready, great.

If you turned him down because of "your anxiety".... BOOOOOOOOOO!! :D

[gregcool]

Iv been single for 3.5 years now and wish i was in a relationship.but not living together.i suffer low self esteam social anxiety no confedance depression.but live a lonely life.id love to have someone at the end of the phone who makes my hear beat with excitment.someone to go out for a nice meal and cinema etc. Someone to talk to and share life with..wouldnt want it to heavy tho because like you,im not ready for that,im to fragail.it would need to build up slowly..i think for sure it would help lift my mood etc..bottle of wine on a sat night with someone you feel close to..but thats my opinion..

[Lissa101]

I have been single for a while now due to anxiety and self confidence issues. I met someone a few weeks ago who has made it very clear he wants to take things further. I have turned him down, as I am just not ready to be with anyone at the moment, and I don't want to use him to test this out.

Does or did you anxiety improve when you have found someone? Part of me thinks it would because you have a someone close to confide in and calm you, but another part of me thinks the stresses of a relationship could make things worse. :shrug::unsure:

Both really. It depends. When I'm feeling bad and we have lots of socialising to do or we're on bad terms ect it can make things worse. This is usually temporary though and being in a relationship definitely forces me to socialise more and also be less self-centred. It's also great to have someone that really couldn't care less whether I have anxiety or not. Its pretty much a non-event in our house. If I'm anxious its fine, if I'm not its also fine. And having someone who sees past it all is such a lovely thing.

I say go for it. There's no point waiting until you feel ready, what if you never feel ready? What if you are ready but you just don't know it? You can always ask to slow things down or take some time apart if you need to x

[Clydesdale Epona]

I've been in a relationship for three coming up to four years now(in November)
the stresses of a relationship can kind of be hard but i honestly think it's dependent on your relationship and who you're with, i certainly think my partner helps me with anxiety no doubt about it, if you're not ready for a relationship then that's perfectly fine but if you are just saying no because of anxiety then i urge you to give it a try x