FIVE COMMON PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS

In this modern world today the issue of long distance relationships has become a serious problem due to various factors, but the major factors are employment and education. there are various problems related to this kind of relationship although most people who are in this kind of relationship do not realize easily the cause of their frequent emotional changes when they are apart from one another, it should be clear that these problems do not affect partners who separate for a shorter period of time but affects much those partners who are forced to live separately from three months and above, although even partners with closer emotional bond may also be affected psychologically even for a shorter period of time. the following are some highlights on the psychological problems affecting partners who are in long distance relationships.

1. INSECURITY
this happens when partners develop negative feeling about each other's interactions with the members of opposite sex, this is the natural thing to happen in long distance relations. one may think that his partner is flirting with other girls or boys, this leads to frequent communication from affected partner to his lover to ensure that he is alone and is at home. this is combined with lack of trust toward another partner especially when one believe that he is more committed and faithful in the relationship than his or her lover. insecurity affect both men and women, particularly unmarried couples. this may create jealousy to emerge and can cause immense emotional damage to both parties as well as the relationship.

2. UNCERTAINTY
This is common element of most long distance relationships. it has been found that being uncertain of the relationship's likely outcome/possible future puts excessive strain on the relationship. this uncertainty about the relationship's direction and the absence of a mutually-agreed upon goals can cause the relationship to be ripped apart. being committed to a romantic relationship with no end in sight can only create an unhealthy environment, fatal to the participant's mental health as well as relationship. patience, trust, endurance, a strong sense of commitment and frequent visits along with effective, healthy communication is the key to tackling the problems and challenges of a long distance relationship.


3. LONELINESS
Combating the feeling of loneliness is a lone battle. more so for someone who cannot fly  into the arms of one's beloved whenever one wants. loneliness is a common problem that plagues most long distance relationships, at some point or other.the absence of your significant other and an awareness of the long time span that has to elapse until you get to see them in person, can make the feeling a rather overwhelming one to bear.

4. DEPRESSION.
Depression can set in for individuals in a long distance relationships when the pangs of loneliness begin to eat away at the essence of their mental health. a conspicuous lack of fulfillment (emotional or otherwise) false or negative perception of one part towards the other part can cause the long distance lover to be depressed. the long term effects of depression can be harmful to the health of the individual partner and that of the relationship.

5. ANXIETY
Unlike loneliness and depression, anxiety is an emotion that cannot be dealt with "alone". there is an element of exclusivity that about this emotion that makes the issues raised as a result of anxiety levels difficult to tackle. anxiety can be intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external). intrinsic factors like one's own trust levels and agreements on set boundaries, acceptable/unacceptable relationship behavior may put strain on the relationship while extrinsic factors like partner's frequency interactions with members of the opposite sex and estrangement or low time investment by the partner may create this.

NOTE; emotional fulfillment, strong connection and a deep bond of intimacy have to be forged in order for a long distance relationship to survive. it is not easy, but when your heart says it is worth, then it really is.
 
Next article we will highlight some ways that can help you maintain the pace of your relationship when you are in a long distance relationship