Jealousy is an emotion engraved in every individual and prevails at particular points. It is like a calm storm that steams within. Either it may exploit and cast shadows on the relations. Retroactive jealousy describes feeling strong-armed or doubtful by your partner’s past affairs. You may feel anxious about your partner’s exes. Looking jealous even if they are no longer in connection is disturbing. Yet, it can lead to compulsive thoughts and behaviors. So, this article focuses on how to overcome retroactive jealousy.
How to Overcome Retroactive Jealousy?
It would be best if you learn healthy coping strategies. It is when you inquire about how to overcome retroactive jealousy.
1- Self-reflection activities
One of the best modes how to overcome retroactive jealousy includes self-reflection activities. Stop thinking your partner’s past incidents were as crucial as you felt. Again, recall that views and beliefs aren’t truths.
Remember what you share with your partner and what you love about him. Appreciate them and enjoy different things to do together. By diverting your attention from the past, you may decrease your jealousy and raise the quality of your connection.
2- Refrain from jealousy cases
Another way is to stop engaging in conduct that initiates or supports it. It has to spy on your mate’s social media page or review their phone calls. These moves can only make you feel more unsure and sad. It can damage your trust and contact with your mate.
Rather than acting on your instincts, calm down and justify your emotions. Let it go and focus on something else.
3- Share or join a support group
Communicating to someone who comprehends what you are going through can assist you in coping with it. You can convey your feelings and incidents. It can be a trusted buddy, family member, or doctor and get help and advice.
You can enter a support group for people who struggle with it or other forms of OCD. So, learn from those who have crushed similar states. Get tips to manage your feelings.
4- Work on the past and stress levels
One of the ultimate causes is the worry of losing your partner to somebody from their past. You must recover your past wounds and lower your stress levels to overcome them.
Further, you can do this by working on any issues or trauma from your prior relations. Forgive yourself and others, and practice self-care actions. It includes training, yoga, or hobbies. Yet, it will help you improve self-worth and self-love.
5- Inhibit undue use of social media
You may like to check your mate’s social media accounts for alerts of their exes, while it initially seems harmless. It can quickly become driven views and manners. Yet, it will damage your trust in your partner.
Inhibit the use of such accounts regarding your mate’s past. You can delete or block their exes’ accounts and turn off notifications. Set time limits for scanning their profiles. Thus, reduce such possible triggers and focus on the present.
6- Professional help
Sometimes, retroactive jealousy can be too stubborn to bear on your own. Imagine you feel like you require more help or direction. In that case, you can seek skilled help from a therapist or consultant. They specialize in treating OCD or other corresponding problems.
A proficient can help you specify the root causes of your jealousy and inquire about your foolish beliefs. Further, it leads to your coping skills and provides a secure space to show your feelings.
7- Proper medications
At points, you need more support other than your family. You can seek professional help from the one who works on mental ailments or other related issues. They may require a behavioral test. The test identifies the causes of your jealousy and prescribes some medicines and exercises accordingly.
In some patients, medicine may also be specified to help lower the intensity of jealousy and fear. Yet, drug alone is not enough to cure it. It would help if you also worked on adjusting your mindset and behavior habits.
8- Have CBT and ERP sessions
The cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention sessions are the practical forms of psychotherapy for treating such disorders. CBT allows you to specify and question the adverse opinions and beliefs that fuel your envy. On the other hand, ERP helps you slowly face the cases that activate your jealousy.
It may be noticing photos of your partner’s exes or discussing their past relationships without committing to obsessive conduct or avoiding them altogether. Doing this lets you tolerate tension and pain, ease stress, and boost confidence.
9- Accept and commit to change
The most crucial step is to understand that it is an issue that must be addressed. You cannot vary the past or exploit what your mate did or didn’t do with their exes. Change how you respond to it in the present. Thus, commit to positive shifts in yourself and your connection.
It implies being honest with yourself and your partner about how you think. Express openly and respectfully about your needs and expectations. So, set healthy limits and focus on your relationship’s praising aspects. By bearing and engaging in change, you can overcome retroactive jealousy.
Final Words
Retroactive jealousy may be a sign of a cognitive health issue. It includes specific ailments, sadness, or stress. Yet, it can also be started by aspects like low morale, insecurity, prior incidents, or addiction. It can damage your link and your mental health if left untreated.
So, how to overcome retroactive jealousy? Use the right plans and support. You can crush it by working on yourself and defining your focus to possible stimuli. Seek help and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs on How to Overcome Retroactive Jealousy
How many percent of the feeling is found in other countries?
Its percentage in other countries may rely on how people cope with their partner’s past affairs and rely on each other. Yet, there is no estimated percentage of how they undergo this situation because people are ashamed of sharing it.
How do you assess that you have such feelings?
There are signs, including constantly asking or accusing your spouse about their previous partner. If you feel upset or have obsessive views and compare yourself unfavorably to your partner’s exes, you are under the state.
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