Sexual experiences play a vital role in the mental wellbeing of soldiers during their deployment. It has been observed that soldiers who are more engaged in sexual activities have higher chances of developing psychological breakdowns than those who do not. This is because these individuals tend to be prone to stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to lack of self-control and emotional regulation skills when faced with trauma.
This situation makes them vulnerable to risky behaviors such as substance abuse which may lead to further deterioration of their health. The following analysis discusses how engagement in sexual relationships influences vulnerability to psychological breakdowns among deployed soldiers.
The study establishes that people need physical intimacy to relieve themselves from stress and anxiety.
A soldier who cannot find someone to share his/her emotions or feelings with may become more vulnerable than others. When such an individual gets into a sexual relationship, they usually take advantage of it to express their emotions and get the much needed support.
Some soldiers who indulge in casual sex without considering its consequences can be exposed to severe psychological breakdowns. This is because most times; they involve themselves in sex for the sake of satisfying their desires rather than for emotional fulfillment. Thus, they end up being disappointed afterward and develop negative psychological effects such as guilt, shame, regret, and fear.
The military life is characterized by long deployments and frequent moves. As a result, many soldiers tend to spend long periods away from family and friends making them lonely and stressed out. Some may fall into dangerous activities to cope with loneliness while others turn to alcohol or drugs to forget about their problems. Engaging in frequent sexual encounters also exposes these individuals to various STDs and HIV infections. These conditions lead to further depression, low self-esteem, and loss of confidence making them vulnerable to psychological breakdowns. Sexually active soldiers are also prone to domestic abuse cases due to the fear of getting infected or contracting diseases from their partners. They might experience emotional trauma, causing them to be unstable mentally.
Engagement in sexual relationships among deployed soldiers has both positive and negative impacts on their mental health.
There is a need for more research to establish whether it directly influences the likelihood of developing psychological disorders.
How does engagement in sexual relationships influence vulnerability to psychological breakdowns among deployed soldiers?
Engaging in sexual relations during deployment can increase the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is because sexually active soldiers may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation due to cultural norms that stigmatize premarital sex, which can negatively affect their mental well-being.