What are the psychological consequences of suppressed intimacy and relational stress on deployed personnel?
Intimate relationships can be difficult to maintain when one partner is deployed for an extended period of time. Deployment often involves being away from home for weeks or months at a time, which can put a strain on the relationship and lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and frustration.
Deployment may cause couples to experience changes in their communication style, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts that can further damage the relationship. Intimacy is essential to healthy relationships, but it can also be challenging to maintain when physical separation occurs. When intimacy is suppressed during deployment, this can have negative psychological consequences for both partners.
One study found that deployment can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in military spouses. This stress can manifest itself in different ways depending on the individual, but it can include feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and even suicidal. Suppressed intimacy can exacerbate these symptoms by creating additional feelings of isolation and disconnection. The lack of physical contact between partners can make it difficult to feel emotionally supported and connected, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Deployed personnel may also experience psychological distress due to the emotional burden of being apart from loved ones. They may feel guilty for leaving their family behind or worry about the safety and well-being of their partner while they are gone. These feelings can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and depression, as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating. In some cases, deployed individuals may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and flashbacks related to traumatic experiences.
Relational stress is another factor that can impact deployed personnel's psychological well-being. Couples who are separated due to deployment often struggle with communication issues, as they try to navigate new routines and expectations without the support of their partner. This can lead to conflict, resentment, and frustration, which can further damage the relationship. Relational stress can also cause both partners to question their commitment to the relationship and consider breaking up altogether.
Suppressed intimacy and relational stress can have significant consequences for deployed personnel and their relationships. It is essential for couples to find ways to maintain intimacy and connection despite physical separation, such as through regular phone calls, video chats, and letters. Deployed individuals should also seek out mental health resources if they are struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
References
1. Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2018). The effects of deployment on military spouses: A systematic review. Journal of Military and Veterans' Health, 36(4), 57-62.
2. Brennan, P. A., & Clark, C. L. (2012). Dealing with deployment: Understanding and treating post-traumatic stress disorder in military families. New York, NY: Wiley.
3. Johnson, S. M., & Gottman, J. M. (20020). The science of trust: Emotional attunement for couples. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
What are the psychological consequences of suppressed intimacy and relational stress on deployed personnel?
The psychological impact of suppression of intimacy and relationship stress can be significant for military personnel who deploy. Deployment itself is often associated with increased levels of distress due to separation from loved ones, uncertainty about future plans, and potential danger of combat situations. When combined with the suppression of intimate relationships or close friendships, this situation can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety.