As soldiers return from deployment, they face many challenges to reintegrate into their families and communities. One of these challenges is managing the emotions that arise during this process, which can be particularly difficult if there are conflicting expectations between partners about how to handle them. This article will examine what happens when a soldier's internal priorities clash with their partner's expectations for emotional recovery after combat.
Emotional Recovery Priorities
When returning from deployment, soldiers may have experienced traumatic events that left them feeling anxious, depressed, or even numb. These emotions can make it difficult for them to connect emotionally with their loved ones.
Different people approach emotional recovery differently. Some prefer to process their feelings alone while others need support from family members.
Soldiers may also have developed new priorities as a result of their experiences in war.
They may place greater value on safety and security than before, or they may feel less interested in spending time with friends and more interested in spending time with family. These shifts in priorities can create tension with partners who want to focus on other aspects of life.
Some soldiers may have undergone physical changes due to their service that impact their emotional well-being. They may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health issues that require specialized treatment and support. This can cause additional strain on relationships because partners may not understand what their loved one is going through.
Clashing Expectations
While soldiers may have different emotional recovery needs, partners often hold expectations for how they should behave upon return. Partners may expect the soldier to be happy to see them again, ready to jump back into social activities, and willing to share everything about their deployment experience. When these expectations clash with a soldier's internally evolved priorities, it can lead to conflict and frustration.
Partners may struggle to understand why the soldier seems distant or closed off. They may feel rejected when the soldier doesn't want to talk about their experiences or engage in the same way as before. They may even blame themselves for the soldier's difficulties, which can further complicate matters.
In order to resolve this conflict, both parties must work together to find a middle ground. The soldier needs to communicate their needs openly and clearly while also being understanding of their partner's perspective. The partner needs to offer support without imposing their own agenda onto the situation. It may take time and patience to reach a compromise, but it is possible if both parties are willing to listen and collaborate.
Tips for Coping
If you are a soldier facing conflicting emotional recovery priorities with your partner, here are some tips to help:
- Communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your needs and concerns
- Seek professional help for any mental health issues that may be impacting your ability to connect emotionally
- Spend quality time alone if necessary to process your feelings without distraction
- Be patient with yourself and your partner as you adjust to new priorities
- Experiment with different coping strategies until you find what works best for you and your relationship
By following these steps, soldiers can begin to rebuild trust and intimacy within their relationships after deployment.
The road to emotional recovery can be long and challenging, so seeking support from family members, friends, and mental health professionals is essential.
How do soldiers approach emotional recovery when partners' expectations collide with internally evolved priorities?
Soldiers who have been through traumatic experiences may find it challenging to cope with their emotions as they try to adjust back into civilian life. The transition can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, especially if there is a conflict between their partner's expectations and their internal priorities. This conflict may arise because of cultural differences, social norms, or individual preferences.