How does chronic illness affect relationships?
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How does chronic illness affect relationships?
Chronic illness can often shift the balance of a relationship. The more responsibilities one of you needs to take on, the greater the imbalance. If you're providing care, you can start to feel overwhelmed and resentful. And if you're receiving care, you can feel more like a patient than a partner.
Can a stressful marriage make you sick?
A 2005 study showed that staying in an unsatisfying marriage may raise stress and worsen health. Another study showed that people in close yet negative relationships are more likely to get heart disease. That doesn't prove that a good marriage makes you healthy or that a bad marriage makes you sick.
How does a bad marriage affect your health?
There are several ways that the stress of a bad marriage can have a negative effect on your health: You may react to your stress by overeating and excessive smoking or drinking. The stress and depression may make you more lethargic. These factors can increase the risk of obesity and heart disease.