When Love Shakes Your Confidence: How Relationship Insecurity Can Harm Your Mental Health

It should be comforting, secure, and emotionally supportive to be in a relationship. But when insecurity permeates a relationship—whether it is based on body image issues, financial issues, or insecurity regarding intelligence—the mental health of the involved takes a serious hit.

Being made to feel less than by a constant barrage of discouragement from your partner or constantly second-guessing yourself can result in anxiety, poor self-esteem, and depression.

Here's how insecurity in a relationship can impact various areas of life and how to deal with it.

1. Body Image and Self-Esteem

If your partner makes you feel bad about your looks or compares you to another person, you will feel inadequate. You may end up being very critical of your body, become unhealthy with excessive exercise and extreme dieting, or avoid going out in public for fear of embarrassment. This can eventually lead to body dysmorphia and loss of self-esteem.

2. Financial Stress and Self-Worth

A belittling partner because of your financial standing can make you feel powerless and not worthy. Whether it is earning less or having debt problems, feeling belittled as a result might be the foundation of deep-seated insecurities.

The pressure to make decisions financially you're not keen on or make you dependent on your partner for finances only cuts down on your confidence and autonomy further.

3. Intelligence and Decision-Making Doubts

If your partner constantly shoots down your opinions or makes you feel stupid, you can start doubting your capabilities. This can prevent you from standing up for yourself in the long run, making decisions with confidence, or taking personal and professional growth. Such psychological manipulation can make you dependent and stagnant, continuing to hold beliefs of inferiority.

1. Recognise the Signs

The first step to overcoming insecurity caused by a relationship is to recognise the poisonous habits. If you often experience anxiety, doubt yourself, or feel as though you are inadequate, stop and evaluate the situation rationally.

2. Build Self-Confidence

Do something that makes you feel good about yourself—exercise, hobbies, self-improvement, or spending time with positive friends. Remember your self-worth independent of the relationship.

3. Communicate Openly

Explain to your partner the way you feel without being accusatory. If they are willing to listen and change, the relationship may improve. However, if they turn down your problem, chances are that there are underlying issues.

4. Set Boundaries

Do not tolerate constant belittling or manipulation. Establish clear boundaries about what is acceptable behaviour and stick to them.

5. Seek Support

Taking the advice of a close friend, family member, or even counselor can help you sift through your emotions and gain perspective. A professional will also guide you on whether the relationship is worth saving or whether it is time to move on.

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