Jemima Petch, a clinical psychologist and head of practice at Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ), observed firsthand the deteriorating state of Australia’s romantic relationships during the Covid pandemic. With the absence of external activities to alleviate stress, pressure built up within relationships until they reached breaking point. The lack of workplace relationships, hobbies, and socialization added to the strain. Unfortunately, even after the end of lockdowns, many couples are still struggling, leading experts to question if the pandemic has caused a lasting negative impact on Australia’s love life.
RAQ continues to receive a high volume of calls, indicating the sustained demand for relationship counselling services. The complexity and distress of these calls have escalated, endangering couples even more. A similar situation is reported in Victoria, with repeated lockdowns taking a toll on families and relationships. The effects of the pandemic on relationship dynamics cannot be automatically resolved, highlighting the need for early intervention and support.
Natasha Rae, CEO of RAQ, states that mental ill health is the primary factor placing strain on close relationships. Couples and individuals are experiencing higher levels of stress, and the pandemic has disrupted habitual social connections, leading to feelings of loneliness. Loneliness, whether experienced in a relationship or while living alone, can have detrimental effects on mental health.
While it is unclear if the impact of the pandemic on relationships is temporary or permanent, rebuilding broken communication channels is crucial for couples who are struggling to reconnect post-pandemic. Gery Karantzas, senior lecturer at Deakin University, conducted research on over 3,000 people and concluded that the number and severity of stressors on a relationship, along with the couple’s coping mechanisms, predicted a potential breakup. Seeking relationship help may have increased due to pandemic messaging, urging troubled individuals to seek support.
For couples who successfully navigated the challenges of stay-at-home orders, their ability to effectively communicate played a significant role. Rebuilding these channels of communication is crucial for those facing post-pandemic struggles. Professor Brock Bastian from the University of Melbourne emphasizes that there is no quick fix, but successfully overcoming the challenges of the pandemic can boost their confidence in weathering future difficulties.
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