"When someone has real relationship issues that affect their health, they need more than just a listening ear from a kind family member, friend or colleague, as well-meaning as that might be."
- Christine Husbands - RedArc
RedArc has found that the demand for referrals regarding relationship support has increased 47% year-on-year, 84% since 2023, and surged threefold over the last five years.
RedArc notes that one recurring theme in referrals is that challenges often arise when one or both individuals are living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, while another common theme shows that relationship difficulties exacerbate existing health issues, especially those of a psychological nature, resulting in sleep, overall wellbeing, and day-to-day functioning being affected.
Google search data indicates that these trends are reflected across society, with significantly higher volumes of searches for terms such as ‘relationship issues’ and ‘relationship problems’ in 2025 compared to 2024.
Combined with RedArc’s data, this shows an increase in relationship difficulties alongside a willingness among individuals to seek support, and that when professional help is available, it can support people to manage these challenges, remain in work, minimise disruption to employers, and improve how they feel day to day.
RedArc says that with health and emotional issues being so intertwined, support should be provided by a clinically trained professional, allowing for a more holistic assessment of the individual, including how relationship challenges impact their health, sleep, lifestyle, and capacity to stay in work and remain productive.
This could include long-term emotional support, suggestions for coping strategies, help in discussing health issues with others, signposting to support groups and specialist charities, and clinical medical support for specific conditions.
RedArc claims that by addressing these interconnected factors, support can be more effective and sustainable, and when it comes to relationship support, consistent guidance from the same professional can be vital in building trust and developing a deeper understanding of often complex and nuanced issues.
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"When someone has real relationship issues that affect their health, they need more than just a listening ear from a kind family member, friend or colleague, as well-meaning as that might be," Christine Husbands, commercial consultant, RedArc, said.
Christine continued: "In these situations, access to consistent, professional, clinical support can make a meaningful difference. It helps individuals to better understand their circumstances, navigate complex emotions, and take informed steps towards resolution and recovery.
"Without that level of support, issues can become more entrenched, with wider implications for their health, wellbeing, and performance at work."
