There is an increasing interest in understanding how different forms of support can be used to help mitigate the effects of combat-related trauma. In this context, support refers to both physical and emotional care provided by individuals such as family members, friends, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals. It may also include therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including re-experiencing events from the past, avoiding thoughts and situations that remind them of their experience, feeling detached from others, having negative mood changes, and experiencing increased levels of anxiety and hyperarousal.
Sexual support is one form of assistance that has been suggested as being particularly effective for treating PTSD. This type of support involves engaging in activities that involve physical intimacy and sexual contact, either alone or with a partner. Studies have found that sexual activity can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. One explanation for this effect is that sexual activity can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming down the body and promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Sexual activity can provide a sense of connection and closeness between partners, which can promote feelings of safety and security.
Emotional support is another form of assistance that has been shown to be beneficial for those dealing with combat-related trauma. Emotional support can take many different forms, including verbal communication, nonverbal cues, and physical touch.
A therapist might offer empathy and validation when listening to a client's story about their experiences during war, while a friend might provide comfort by simply sitting with someone who is having difficulty coping with memories of their time in combat. Research suggests that emotional support may be especially important for those who are isolated or do not feel comfortable sharing their experiences with others.
In addition to these two forms of support, there are also several other approaches that have been explored as potential interventions for combat-related trauma. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT involves teaching individuals how to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with their traumatic experiences, while exposure therapy exposes them to situations that trigger memories gradually until they become less distressing. EMDR combines both approaches by helping patients process traumatic memories more effectively through bilateral stimulation, such as moving their eyes back and forth while thinking about the memory.
What forms of sexual and emotional support are most effective in mitigating combat-related trauma?
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for healing from combat-related trauma, research has shown that various types of support can be helpful. These include both sexual and emotional support, which can come from friends, family members, therapists, and peers who have gone through similar experiences.