During heated arguments with your spouse, you probably don't think about how your marriage is affecting your health. However, even the best marriages face conflicts that can leave emotional wounds.
Interestingly, it can happy couples feel the heat negative conflict more acutely than unhappy partners precisely because they know which relationship problems are worthy of their attention. They have learned to discuss larger issues or agree to disagree when the conflict gets too heated.
How does marriage affect health?
Research shows that married people live longer and healthier lives, with better psychological well-being, fewer illnesses and faster recovery. However, marriage alone is not the solution to all health problems. What spouses bring to the marriage and do for each other reaps these health benefits.
Studies show that chronic conflict in an unhappy marriage can lead to poor health, especially for men. Frequent disagreements can lead to inflammation, increased stress hormones and decreased immune function.
The body's response to stress is complex and can have long-term effects on the body. A chronic surge of epinephrine (adrenaline) can lead to cardiovascular disease, while a chronic surge of cortisol can cause weight gain and other health problems.
Unhappy marriages and health
Unhappy marriages are breeding grounds for bad health habits, including increased smoking and alcohol consumption, decreased physical exercise and unhealthy eating habits. Marital stress can also trigger the hunger hormone ghrelin and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
When chronic conflict takes over, the relationship becomes a power struggle, and cooperation replaces competition. Couples in unhappy marriages are often so mired in bad relationship dynamics that they can't see a way out.
Get professional help
Seeing a marriage counselor can benefit your health and save your life. By learning how to communicate with each other in a loving and safe way, you can confidently navigate the dynamics of your relationship and survive as a couple.
It is important to know that when you see a doctor for health problems, it is unlikely that they will ask you questions about the relationship, although marital stress can cause health problems.
Since stress is directly related to the six leading causes of death, medical diagnoses and treatment plans should pay more attention to the actual cause of the problem. If you are in an unhappy marriage, couples counseling should be an essential part of your health plan.
If you're in an unhappy marriage, a marriage intensive retreat can be an immediate and life-saving infusion. In this format, you have the opportunity to focus only on your marriage for several days. In the safety of a specialized therapy team, you can learn to take care of yourself and get to the bottom of it. By learning to communicate with each other in a loving and safe way, you set the stage for a dynamic that doesn't involve running away from problems. You can learn to navigate once-daunting terrain with confidence, knowing that you have the skills to survive and that you have each other.
Through marriage counseling, you can learn to identify and break the cycle of chronic conflict, promote positive communication, and address underlying issues that may be contributing to stress in your relationship. This can improve your emotional and physical health, as well as the health of your relationship. It is important to know that seeking help does not mean that you have failed as a couple. In fact, it shows that you are committed to improving your relationship and prioritizing your health.
In short, the connection between your marriage and your health is important, and the effects of chronic conflict in an unhappy marriage can be frightening. But with the right tools and support, you can work toward a healthier, happier relationship and prioritize your overall health and well-being.
