How does sexual activity contribute to overall psychosexual health and well-being in high-stress military contexts?
Military personnel are known for their toughness, bravery, strength, discipline, and resilience. They face many challenges both physically and mentally during training and combat situations.
Few people realize that even the most well-trained soldiers can struggle with their mental health.
Studies show that up to one third of all veterans experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving in a war zone. PTSD is characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness. It often leads to difficulties maintaining interpersonal relationships, including those within marriage or other romantic partnerships.
In addition to PTSD, military personnel may also experience traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), substance abuse disorders, chronic pain, and other physical health issues as a result of their service. These conditions can make it difficult for them to engage in intimate activities such as sex. In fact, a recent study found that 41% of veterans reported problems with arousal and orgasm due to TBI. This problem was even more pronounced among women who were significantly less likely than men to discuss these issues with their partner or seek treatment. The same study showed that up to two-thirds of military spouses had difficulty achieving orgasm due to stress related to their partner's deployment or reintegration into civilian life.
Sexual activity can be an important part of psychosexual health and well-being for military personnel and their families. Physical touch, closeness, and intimacy are necessary components of a healthy relationship. They promote bonding between partners and create feelings of safety and security. When used correctly, sexual activity can help reduce stress levels, regulate mood, improve sleep quality, and increase overall happiness and satisfaction with life.
Many military couples struggle to find time for sexual intimacy due to the demands of work and family obligations.
High-stress contexts like combat zones can make it challenging to enjoy physical contact without feeling anxious or fearful.
How does sexual activity contribute to overall psychosexual health and well-being in high-stress military contexts?
The benefits of regular sexual activity on mental health cannot be overstated. Studies show that having frequent orgasms reduces anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions while increasing positive ones such as joy, contentment, and self-esteem. Sex also helps us feel connected to our partner, which is especially important during times of separation or isolation.
One study found that soldiers deployed away from home reported higher rates of marital distress than those who were not.
Some research suggests that sex may even boost immunity by increasing levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. These hormones play a role in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
There are some caveats when discussing the effects of sexual activity on psychosexual health in high-stress environments. First, soldiers may experience performance anxiety if they believe their partner expects too much or that their injury will limit their ability to perform. This concern can lead to decreased interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, and other issues that negatively impact both partners' satisfaction with the relationship. Second, trauma victims may find it difficult to relax enough for intimacy due to intrusive thoughts about past experiences.
Certain medications used to treat PTSD or TBI (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have side effects that reduce libido and arousal. It is crucial for military personnel and their families to communicate openly about these concerns so that they can work together towards finding solutions.
Sexual activity plays an essential role in maintaining psychosexual well-being among military personnel and their families.
The challenges posed by high-stress contexts make it necessary for them to seek professional help when needed. Therapy can teach techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and yoga which promote relaxation and reduce stress during physical contact.
Couples counseling may be beneficial for addressing underlying issues that contribute to marital distress. By working together, service members and their loved ones can improve their overall quality of life through regular intimate moments that foster connection, trust, and fulfillment.
How does sexual activity contribute to overall psychosexual health and well-being in high-stress military contexts?
Sexual activity has been shown to have various benefits for physical and mental health in civilian populations, including improved cardiovascular function, reduced stress levels, increased self-esteem, and better sleep quality (Darwall-Smith et al. , 2019). In addition to these effects, sexual activity can also be an important part of maintaining and improving relationships between partners, especially those who are separated due to work demands such as military service.