Marriage is full of constant highs and lows, but couples often find themselves experiencing marital burnout. Burnout in marriage is a form of extreme physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.
This is a genuine struggle for many married couples. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life and forget to prioritize your relationship.
Are You Experiencing Marriage Burnout?
There are a few ways to tell that burnout has a hold on your marriage. Here are five signs and symptoms of marriage burnout:
1 – Unexplained Subconscious Feelings
The biggest problem with burnout in a marriage is the lack of awareness of it happening in the beginning. You start to feel that something is off but are unsure what it may be. The idea that your marriage is essentially “failing” is not a situation many couples desire to face.
After a while of ignoring, we become oblivious to the issues at hand. No matter how hard we try to silence the noise, the restlessness, “gut” feelings, and discomfort become even louder. There is most likely an underlying cause to these feelings, and they should not be ignored.
2 – Lack of Motivation to Try
A common sign of marriage burnout is the absence of motivation. The desire to spend quality time with your spouse slowly begins to vanish. Many couples unknowingly began to distance themselves from one another and would rather just be alone.
This lack of motivation applies not only to the marriage but to each individual as well. Due to the exhaustion of marriage burnout, some people stop caring for themselves. Self-care in a relationship is equally as important as caring for your spouse.
3 – Feelings of Resentment and Neglect
Spousal support is a big part of combatting marriage burnout. When your spouse is neglecting your needs you feel unappreciated and undervalued. When emotional exhaustion has taken over those feelings turn into resentment.
If you are experiencing resentment towards your spouse, everything that they do will cause irritation and anger. You would want to spend even less time in their presence, which will ultimately cause the marriage burnout to worsen.
4 – Always Angry
Moods and feelings are naturally up and down. But, when anger and irritation are the constant state of your emotions a negative atmosphere is created within the relationship. Your partner will walk on eggshells to avoid making matters worse.
5 – Constantly Considering Divorce
Marriage burnout can seem never-ending and ultimately lead to thoughts of divorce. Feeling as though you’d both be better off if you ended things start to become a reasonable solution. This is the tell-tale sign that there are issues that need to be resolved immediately. It is never too late to turn it around.
Recovering From Marriage Burnout
Experiencing that stagnant and unsatisfying place in your marriage is exhausting, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Once you have realized that you’re experiencing marriage burnout try these steps to overcome it:
- Communicate- These conversations are not easy ones to have, but they are essential for your marriage to recover. Sometimes, simply expressing your concerns and needs can help improve the situation. Take some time to reflect on the root causes of your feelings. It’s also important to approach the conversation with an open mind and heart. Also, listen actively to your partner’s perspective. Remember, a healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
- Bring The Spark Back– Keep in mind that it’s normal to experience ups and downs in any marriage. People are constantly evolving. Consider trying to re-learn your spouse. Maybe your partner has new interests, or their likes and dislikes have changed. Take some time to reconnect. With patience, effort, and communication, it is possible to reignite the spark and strengthen your bond.
- Seek Therapy- If you feel like you and your partner are having trouble communicating effectively or resolving conflicts on your own, marriage counseling could be a helpful option. Trained therapist can provide a safe and neutral space for both of you to express your thoughts and feelings. Therapists can also help you develop healthier communication and problem-solving skills. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for support.
Connect With Counselors in Huntsville, Alabama
Aspire Counseling & Consulting Services provides a positive atmosphere for couples to learn, grow, and thrive. Our team of therapists can help you and your partner create a stronger bond and would be happy to offer support from our Huntsville, AL-based practice. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Aspire Counseling
- Meet with a Marriage or Relationship Counselor.
- Start interventions that support the growth and intimacy of your relationship