Marriage is the process by which two people make their relationship public, official, and permanent. It is the joining of two people in a bond that putatively lasts until death, but in practice is often cut short by separation or divorce .
What Is Marriage? (Plain Language Explanation)
Marriage refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Marriage
- Symptoms: The specific ways marriage shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen marriage
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When marriage occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Marriage
- Marriage is far more common than most people realize
- Marriage is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with marriage see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about marriage is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing marriage, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.