Veterans returning from service often experience emotional trauma that affects their romantic relationships. This paper discusses how couples can work together to develop new strategies for coping with these changes, including communication techniques, boundary setting, and shared activities.
Communication Techniques
Partners can communicate effectively when they understand each other's needs and expectations. Veterans may feel embarrassed about expressing feelings of shame, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so open dialogue is essential. They need supportive listening without judgment or dismissal of their experiences.
One veteran described his struggles with PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks while describing them as "the stuff of nightmares." His partner listened attentively, asking clarifying questions, validating his feelings, and offering reassurance.
This helped them build trust and mutual understanding.
Boundary Setting
By explaining that partners also need clear boundaries to prevent resentment and conflict. As one veteran explained, "We had no rules in place, and I felt like my life was being taken away from me." After seeking professional counseling and developing a household schedule, they agreed on what behaviors were acceptable in public and at home. This helped them maintain respect and avoid misunderstandings. Partners should establish clear expectations for communication, intimacy, family obligations, and household responsibilities.
Shared Activities
The paper explores how couples can engage in activities together to alleviate distress. One couple discussed how hiking, cooking, and traveling relieved tension and built connection. Sharing enjoyable experiences reduces tension and helps them bond emotionally. By taking breaks from daily tasks, they could focus on each other's needs and interests. Couples may also benefit from practicing yoga or meditation techniques to manage stress and improve mood.
This article discusses strategies that partners can use to co-create adaptive practices for coping with emotional fluctuations due to PTSD. Through effective communication, boundary setting, and shared activities, couples can strengthen their relationship and support one another through challenging times.
In what ways do partners co-create adaptive practices to accommodate veterans' emotional fluctuations?
Partners play an important role in helping their loved ones who are military veterans with mental health issues through creating different adaptive practices. These practices include but not limited to, providing support and encouragement when needed, being patient during difficult times, setting boundaries on expectations and demands, offering reassurance that things will get better, being flexible and open-minded towards new situations, and seeking professional help from qualified professionals if necessary.