Partner Article

Recession leading to family battles

One in five families in the North East are arguing more because of the recession, according to a leading national counselling service based in Newcastle.

Relationship counseling provider Relate reported a noticeable increase in patients since the recession began - with 66% of their centres seeing an increase in demand as clients feel the impact on the recession.

Chief executive of Relate, Claire Tyler, said: “These figures confirm what we have been seeing in our centres, that financial worries can have a big impact on family life.

“Families need to know that talking can help, in fact talking sooner rather than when things get to a crisis point can save families a lot of heartache.”

The YouGov survey commissioned by Relate asked 2,119 adults about their relationships and the economic climate, and found that men are twice as likely as women to be concerned that money worries will cause them to break up with their partner.

Relate relationship counselor Denise Knowles said: “Remember there are things you can do straight away if you are experiencing money problems, talk about the reality of the situation.

“Acknowledge that your relationship is being squeezed by outside pressures and discuss how you can manage this as a couple.”

She said: “Now is a really good time to build-up your ‘emotional bank balance’ by spending more time together.

“Think about thoughtful gestures, such as running a bath for your partner. These little things can help you feel closer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .