In a research article published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy last January, a group of Iranian scientists examined the factors that can predict emotional exhaustion.
They conducted several tests on 396 individuals who were seeking therapy and pre-divorce counseling at psychiatric clinics. One of these tests involved a questionnaire designed to diagnose relationship burnout, which was created in a 2011 study.
Participants were asked to rate how frequently they experienced specific symptoms on a scale of 1 (never) to 7 (always). A score above 5 on each item might indicate relationship burnout.
The symptoms experienced during the relationship include:
- Feeling fatigued
- Feeling disillusioned with your spouse or intimate partner.
- Feeling a sense of hopelessness.
- Feeling trapped.
- Feeling a lack of control.
- Feeling depressed.
- Feeling weak or ill.
- Feeling insecure or like a failure.
- Experiencing difficulty sleeping.
- Thinking to yourself that you’ve had “enough.”
Overcoming relationship burnout: Tips for recognizing and resolving negative emotional exhaustion
Feeling insecure or like a failure is often one of the final steps before reaching a state of relationship burnout, a term that encompasses all these negative emotions and experiences.
This overwhelming emotional exhaustion can leave you feeling completely drained, both mentally and physically.
It may seem as if no matter how hard you try to communicate with your partner or work on improving the relationship, nothing seems to change for the better.
Relationship burnout can be caused by various factors, such as constant arguing, lack of communication, unmet expectations, or even external stressors that affect the partnership.
When dealing with relationship burnout, it’s essential to recognize the signs early in order to address and resolve the issues before it’s too late.
The consequences of letting this emotional exhaustion fester can range from increased resentment and hostility to even deciding to end the partnership altogether.
One way to mitigate relationship burnout is by openly discussing your feelings with your partner, and working together to establish healthier communication patterns.
This might involve setting aside dedicated time for each other where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.
Additionally, seeking professional help through couples therapy or counseling could provide valuable insights into the underlying issues contributing to this sense of burnout.
Another strategy for coping with relationship burnout is to focus on self-care. This can include taking regular breaks from the relationship, engaging in activities that you enjoy, and spending time with friends and family.
In doing so, you can gain clarity and perspective on the situation, and also nurture yourself in the process.
