Long Distance Relationship & Mental Health

“I exist in two places. Here, and where you are.” – Margaret Atwood

A long distance relationship (LDR) is nothing short of a testament to devotion. Now-a-days it is simple and easy to connect with loved ones around the globe; however, it is quite challenging to be physically or geographically away from them. Distance can make the heart grow fonder, and LDRs are known to strengthen trust in the relationship while also building resilience, though more often than not, there is an inevitable emotional strain that can take a toll on mental health. LDRs have their own ups and downs that can significantly impact mental health, both positively and negatively.

Mental Health and Long Distance Relationships

Long distance can impact mental health in a variety of ways. According to research LDR is linked to psychological distress, loneliness and instability in a relationship. Let us look at the psychological challenges that are associated with mental health in long distance relationships:

• Emotional Well-being and Stress: Individuals in long distance often experience high levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who are in geographically close relationships, often stemming from uncertainty, loneliness, absence of physical intimacy and negative thoughts. Studies have shown that the emotional burden of being apart can reduce dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones, leading to mood fluctuations, issues in sleeping, and so on.
• Loneliness and Sadness: During major life events, holidays it is particularly hard to be physically apart from your partner, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, induce a low mood or depression and metal health loss manifesting as isolation.
• Anxiety and Insecurity: LDRs often provoke a lot of concerns about infidelity, communication gaps, not knowing when you will see each other again, creates a constant worry about the relationship’s stability. Moreover, individuals can experience FOMO (fear of missing out) on their partner’s significant life moments, achievements and events. This can create anxiety during long distance relationships.
• Coping Mechanisms and Resilience: LDR can foster personal growth, resilience and emotionally strengthen you as an individual. Couples often develop stronger communication skills and coping strategies to manage the distance. Setting future goals together, regular and constructive communication, planning visits can reduce the negative effects of LDR and also trigger positive emotional responses.

Are Long Distance Relationships Bad for Mental Health?

Long distance relationships are not inherently bad for your mental health as they can impact you negatively and positively both, depending on factors like communication, trust and emotional support between the partners. Some relationships can struggle more, overshadowed with anxiety, depression, miscommunication, isolation exacerbating feelings of mental health loss. However, some long distance relationships can thrive making both the individuals better at communication, more resilient, and strengthen the emotional bond and foster feelings of security and peace in the relationship.

How to Overcome Long Distance Relationship Depression: Maintaining Mental Health in LDR

 To cope with the psychological challenges posed by long distance relationships, long distance depression and anxiety, individuals can adopt several strategies:

1. Prioritizing Regular Communication

• Use technology to regularly and consistently communicate
• Have meaningful conversations, share about your daily life, emotions and express appreciation towards each other

2. Mindfulness Practices

• Meditation, journaling, breathing exercises can help in reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional well-being
• These can be shared activities between the partners as well, under guidance, to strengthen togetherness in a journey

3. Setting Goals

• Planning future visits together or shared activities can be something to look forward to and alleviate hopelessness

4. Social Support

• Take out time to engage with friends and family as a strong network of support is essential and also reduces excessive emotional reliance on your partner

5. Self-Care

• Engage in activities that you enjoy, that help you connect with yourself and promote relaxation
• This can include hobbies, exercise, healthy habits or routines

6. Seeking Professional Help

• Couples counseling or marital counseling can help in addressing relationship conflicts, issues, negative thoughts and mental health issues, as well as provide mediation between long distance partners

Strengthening the Long Distance Bond for Better Mental Health

 Strengthening the connection in a long distance relationship can be beneficial for your mental health. LDRs often thrive when they are built on a strong connection like friendship as a starting base. Moreover, celebrating the bond can make the bond stronger. Technology offers a lending hand here, you can utilize it to try new things with your partner, for instance, watching a movie together virtually, (an online movie date!), or play a game together.

A quote by Charles Dickens “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again”, reminds us that physical separation doesn’t diminish emotional connection. While navigating a long distance relationship is no easy feat but with mutual effort, strong communication, it can be a beautiful journey for both the partners that doesn’t just strengthen your relationship but also evolves you individually. Further, if you’re struggling with the emotional impact of being apart, don’t hesitate to reach out to NABHSfor support whether it is through finding a couples therapist near you or by practising self-care and building a strong network of friends and family. Remember that while it may be a challenge, LDR is also an opportunity to strengthen trust and create a deeper emotional bond.