top of page

How Couples Cope Differently with Stress: Navigating the Stress of the News Cycle

Heidi A Sauder, PHD

The News Cycle

The modern world bombards us with information from around the globe. While staying informed is crucial, it can also be overwhelming. The 24/7 news cycle, in addition to social media, delivers not only news of global events but also a constant stream of opinions. This barrage of information can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, which can affect individuals and their relationships.


Differences in Coping

Couples often have differing ways of coping with stress, and this applies to the stress generated by the news cycle. Here are some common patterns of coping:

  • Staying as plugged into the news as possible: Some individuals thrive on staying informed and are drawn to the constant flow of news. They may engage in discussions, research, and debates on current events, which can be a source of stress relief. On the other hand, some partners may feel overwhelmed by the influx of information and seek solace in unplugging. They may limit their news intake, focusing on self-care and distractions to ease the tension. This approach can cause friction when it conflicts with their partner's desire for active engagement.

  • One partner might react with overwhelm and anxiety. The other might appear more stoic or react by detaching. 

  • One partner might be a verbal processor who needs to talk about news as much as possible. The other partner might need to process their emotions alone. 


Check-ins

These dynamics are normal, but they might require extra care in navigating them! Communication is key to navigating the differing coping mechanisms of couples when dealing with news cycle-related stress. Regular check-ins can provide a structured and vulnerable space for couples to discuss their feelings, concerns, and coping strategies. Here's how you can integrate check-ins into your relationship:

  • Schedule Weekly or Monthly Check-Ins: Set a specific time for open and non-judgmental discussions about your stress levels, sources of tension, and coping strategies. Regularity is crucial for building trust and maintaining open lines of communication.

  • Active Listening: When your partner shares their feelings and strategies, listen attentively and without judgment. Validate their perspective, even if it differs from your own.

  • Practice Empathy: Put yourself in your partner's shoes and practice empathy. Understanding each other's perspective is essential for a harmonious relationship.

  • Mutual Compromise: Seek a middle ground by finding activities or routines that can help you both cope with stress, whether it involves engaging with the news in moderation or disconnecting when necessary.

Strengthening Your Relationship Beyond Check-Ins

In addition to regular check-ins, couples can strengthen their relationship when navigating the stress of the news cycle with these strategies:

  • Quality Time: Dedicate quality time to activities that bring joy to help counterbalance the stress from the news.

  • Establish Boundaries: Work together to set healthy boundaries around news consumption. Define specific times for catching up on current events and agree on tech-free zones to ensure a balanced approach.

  • Seek Professional Guidance: If coping with the news cycle stress continues to strain your relationship, consider seeking guidance from a relationship therapist who can provide effective strategies for managing stress as a couple.

  • Volunteer together: Find causes you are both passionate about and donate your time and/or money. 

  • Self-Care Together: Engage in self-care activities that you both enjoy like walks and yoga to relieve stress together.


The news cycle can be a significant source of stress for couples, but understanding and respecting each other's coping mechanisms is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. Regular check-ins, as well as quality time, can provide the framework for open communication, fostering empathy, understanding, and compromise. By navigating the stress of the news cycle together, couples can strengthen their connection and face life's challenges as a team.

18 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Is My Relationship Salvageable?

Constant conflict in a romantic relationship can cause much stress and may bring doubt to the commitment system of a partnership....

Comments


  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Enrich Relationship Center logo

The No Surprise Billing Act and Good Faith Estimate give patients the right to understand cost for services. The cost for services is covered in your informed consent but you are also entitled to an estimate in writing. If you wish for a Good Faith Estimate, please ask your provider and they will provider you with one.

We are not in-network with Medicaid and Medicaid does not allow subscribers to see Out of Network providers. If you have Medicaid, please contact your plan for In-Network providers.

Refund Policy: Therapy sessions over secure video conferencing, or in Centennial, CO office refund/cancellation: Any weekly session that is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of the date of service will be fully refunded. If a session is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, or if a client fails to show for a session, the session fee is charged in full. Couple intensives refund/cancellation: Fifty percent of the two- or three- day counseling fee will be collected when the appointment is set. The outstanding fee will be collected upon arrival for the scheduled intensive. Fees are refundable (less a $500 administrative fee) when a cancellation occurs at least 30 days prior to the start of the intensive. If a cancellation occurs within 30 days of the Intensive date, the paid 50% fee will not be refunded. If therapy has begun and is terminated because of a direct or indirect threat or intimidation from one client to the other, or the therapist, there will be no refund. Workshop refund/cancellation: Registration fees are refundable (less a $50 administrative fee) when a cancellation is made more than three weeks prior to the workshop date. If a cancellation occurs within three weeks of the workshop date, the registration will be converted to a credit, good for one year, which may be applied to future workshops. Professional training refund/cancellation: Registration fees are refundable (less a $100 administrative fee) when a cancellation occurs at least 30 days prior to the start of the training. Cancellations after this date will receive a credit, good for one year, which may be applied to other professional programs or products.

bottom of page