Partners of military personnel may find it difficult to understand how their soldier's emotions change when they return from deployment. This is because military life can cause significant mental and physical stress that often results in behavioral changes.
Soldiers may become more closed off, less affectionate, and more distractible than usual. This disconnect between their partner and them can lead to tension and misunderstandings. Therefore, partners need to understand what is happening during deployment to better support their loved ones.
The first step towards understanding this change is acknowledging that the environment during deployment is extremely different from normal civilian life. Soldiers are constantly surrounded by dangerous situations that require immediate action and intense focus. This creates an environment where personal safety takes priority over all else, including relationships. As a result, soldiers must suppress many of their feelings to stay focused on the mission.
In addition to suppressing emotions, soldiers also undergo intensive training that emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence. They learn to rely on themselves instead of others for survival, making them less likely to lean on their partner emotionally. These behaviors can be challenging for a partner who expects their soldier to behave similarly when they come home. Partners may interpret these changes as coldness or indifference rather than understanding the underlying causes.
To help bridge the gap, partners should try to create a safe space for communication. Avoid topics related to the deployment unless their soldier brings it up, but don't avoid talking about other aspects of their relationship altogether. Instead, focus on reconnecting through activities you enjoyed before deployment. Show your partner love and appreciation in nonverbal ways, such as hugs, touches, and small gestures. Be patient with any mood swings and give them time to adjust to being back home.
Consider seeking professional counseling if things seem too difficult to handle alone. Military families face unique challenges that require specialized help to overcome. With time and effort, partners can build stronger bonds with their returning soldier and maintain healthy relationships despite the effects of deployment.
How do partners interpret changes in soldiers' emotional responsiveness after they have spent extended periods in intense, mission-focused environments?
Soldiers who spend time in intense, mission-focused environments may experience changes in their emotional responsiveness as a result of various factors such as stress, trauma, anxiety, exhaustion, social isolation, and environmental influences. Partners of these soldiers might interpret these changes differently based on their own individual experiences with the soldier and their understanding of the situation.