How to Handle Stress and Difficult Situations as a Couple

When it comes to dealing with stress in relationships, communication is key. Learn how to help your partner cope with stress with practical advice from Talkspace therapists.

How to Handle Stress and Difficult Situations as a Couple

When it comes to dealing with stress in relationships, communication is key. Don't make assumptions about how your partner is feeling; instead, take the time to talk and listen to each other. This will help you gain a better understanding of your partner's emotional state and work together to find a solution. It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to helping your partner cope with stress.

However, some Talkspace therapists have provided practical, compassionate, and sensible advice on how to do so. Stressful events can cause couples to react more intensely to relationship challenges. To help each other during these times, couples should focus on calming each other's hearts and practice constructive ways of helping each other. When couples are under stress, they may need to talk about different things and have less time available for conversation.

Male partners may be more receptive to offers of help with homework, as well as expressions of appreciation and recognition. It's important to remember that stress can cause couples to view their relationship in a negative light without realizing the impact it has on their outlook. If you find yourself thinking “My relationship is stressing me out”, it may be a sign that there's distance, disagreements, and disconnection between you and your partner.