Supporting Your Partner’s Well-Being: How to Help Your Spouse Cope with Work Stress, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article provides strategies for partners to help their spouse effectively cope with unrelenting work stress. It begins by outlining common sources and symptoms of occupational stress, such as overwhelming job demands, limited resources, and impacts to physical and mental health. Key steps are then discussed, including actively listening without judgment to validate a spouse's experiences, establishing boundaries around work hours and communication to foster renewal, encouraging preventative self-care routines, and dealing with changes through open communication and compromise. The article advocates modeling healthy behaviors at home by sharing responsibilities and prioritizing self-care. Workplace implications are considered, such as cultivating an organizational culture where employees feel cared for holistically. In conclusion, the article argues an ongoing effort recognizing fluctuating demands, combined with active support, builds individual and couple resilience to minimize stress' negative impacts.