What are the long-term consequences of suppressing sexual expression during active deployment?
Sexual expression is a natural part of human life, yet it can be difficult to maintain when military personnel must suppress their emotions for extended periods of time. While suppressing sexual urges might seem like a necessary sacrifice during an active deployment, this can have serious long-term consequences that may impact both mental and physical health. This article will explore how suppression affects individuals, their relationships, and society as a whole.
Suppressing Sexual Urges:
One common way that sexual expression is suppressed among military personnel is through avoidance of romantic interactions. Active duty service members may choose to avoid dating, flirting, or even holding hands with their partners due to the pressure to remain focused on the mission at hand. This can cause feelings of isolation, loneliness, and distance from loved ones who may feel neglected.
It can lead to increased stress levels, which can negatively impact overall wellbeing.
Long-Term Consequences:
The effects of suppressed sexual expression can last long after deployments are complete. Individuals who consistently engage in sexual abstinence may experience decreased libido, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. These symptoms can also manifest physically, including weight gain, insomnia, headaches, and digestive problems.
Suppressing sexuality can lead to difficulty forming strong relationships, particularly if the person has not had regular sexual experiences prior to entering the military.
Impact on Relationships:
Military couples face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining intimacy while one partner is deployed. Suppressing sexual urges can create tension and resentment between partners who are apart for extended periods. It can be difficult to maintain emotional closeness without physical connection, leading to strained communication and decreased trust. When reunited, partners may find it difficult to reconnect sexually and emotionally, potentially leading to breakups or divorce.
Societal Impact:
Suppressing sexual expression among military personnel can have far-reaching implications beyond individual relationships. Societies that promote a culture of suppression may see higher rates of sexual assault, violence, and abuse due to frustration, rage, and lack of social support. This can contribute to negative stereotypes about military personnel and damage their reputation as loyal citizens.
It can prevent individuals from fully integrating into society upon returning home and experiencing the joy of human connection.
Suppressing sexual expression during active deployment carries long-term consequences that impact both individuals and society as a whole. By understanding these effects, we can work towards creating healthier environments where service members feel safe expressing themselves in all aspects of life.
What are the long-term consequences of suppressing sexual expression during active deployment?
While it is understandable that military personnel may feel compelled to repress their sexuality for cultural, institutional, logistical, or personal reasons, the long-term effects on physical and mental health can be significant. Some studies suggest that prolonged periods of sexual suppression can lead to increased stress levels, depression, and anxiety. It could also impact relationships with partners, both current and future, as well as potentially increase the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases.