Strained Relationship: silence between Kerala couple in UAE for a decade recognized as potential warning sign of domestic violence by experts
In the quiet corners of many relationships, a silent battle can unfold, often going unnoticed by the outside world. This prolonged silence, a means to "save" a marriage, can have deep psychological consequences, according to mental health professionals.
The case of a Kerala couple in Sharjah, who have lived without speaking to each other for over a decade, is a stark reminder of this silent struggle. This long-term emotional disconnection can lead to feelings of loneliness, emotional numbness, bitterness, identity crises, and increased risks of depression and anxiety.
The Psychological Fallout
The prolonged silence can result in emotional numbness, anxiety, depression, and chronic mental health strain. Partners may lose the ability to express or experience feelings deeply, leading to a pervasive sense of blankness or indifference. Bitterness and disappointment may set in due to unmet emotional needs that accumulate over years of neglect and lack of connection. An identity crisis and diminished self-worth can occur, especially if one’s sense of identity was deeply intertwined with the marriage. Betrayal or prolonged silence can shatter long-developed emotional bonds and create confusion about personal and relational roles.
Loneliness and social isolation are common outcomes, as the partnership no longer serves as a source of comfort or emotional support. Mental health risks such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline linked to chronic emotional disconnection and loneliness are also a concern.
Factors Leading to Silence and Emotional Disconnection
Several factors contribute to prolonged silence and emotional disconnection leading to separation. These include avoidance of conflict, codependency or lack of individuality, communication breakdown, outgrowing each other emotionally, fear of separation or feeling trapped, and unresolved personal pain.
In some cases, the silence becomes a coping mechanism due to avoidance of conflict, fear of escalation, or an inability to resolve deep-rooted issues. Changes in behavior, increased substance use, social withdrawal, or noticeable shifts in public interaction can be red flags for relationship distress.
The Role of Therapy
Early recognition of emotional detachment signs is crucial for intervention. Therapy offers a structured, neutral space for partners to communicate their needs and concerns, work on improving relational patterns, emotional intimacy, and conflict resolution. It can also facilitate a respectful and psychologically healthy separation process when necessary.
In a crisis state, the capacity for impulse control and emotional regulation may be compromised, especially in individuals with limited coping strategies or existing psychiatric vulnerabilities. Professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs of relationship distress and seeking help promptly.
In conclusion, prolonged emotional disconnection in a relationship can lead to a "crisis state" due to extreme emotional dysregulation, lack of escape, support, or emotional validation. This silent struggle can have deep psychological consequences, and it is essential to address it before it becomes irreparably damaging.
- The silence between partners in a relationship, as seen in the Kerala couple's case, can lead to a state of emotional numbness, anxiety, and depression, according to mental health professionals.
- The long-term emotional disconnection and silence can result in dangerous mental health risks, such as an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, due to chronic emotional disconnection and loneliness.
- Several factors contribute to prolonged silence and emotional disconnection, including avoidance of conflict, codependency or lack of individuality, communication breakdown, outgrowing each other emotionally, fear of separation or feeling trapped, and unresolved personal pain.
- Early recognition of emotional detachment signs is crucial for intervention, as therapy offers a structured, neutral space for partners to communicate their needs, work on improving emotional intimacy, and conflict resolution.
- In a crisis state, the capacity for impulse control and emotional regulation may be compromised, especially in individuals with limited coping strategies or existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, stressing the importance of recognizing warning signs of relationship distress and seeking help promptly.
