Soldiers are trained to be tough and face danger without fear.
When they return home after combat duty, some suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. One common symptom is emotional disconnect with their partner. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anger, resentment, and mistrust between them. Partners may feel like they no longer know their loved one and wonder if they still have a future together. The good news is that there are ways for partners to cope with this emotional disconnection and build stronger relationships.
It's important for both parties to acknowledge the problem openly and commit to working through it together. Communication is key - soldiers must be honest about what they're experiencing and how it affects them. They should also share their thoughts and feelings about what's going wrong in their relationship. Partners need to listen actively and empathetically, validating their soldier's experience and showing support. It's also helpful to set realistic expectations for each other - understanding that PTSD will take time to heal and progress won't always be linear.
Seek professional help. Couples therapy can provide structure, guidance, and new tools for communication and conflict resolution. Trauma-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can address underlying issues related to trauma exposure.
Family therapy can involve the entire household in creating a safe space where all members can express themselves freely without judgment.
Create rituals and routines that foster connection outside of traumatic memories.
Establishing a weekly date night or engaging in physical activities together can strengthen bonds and reduce stress levels. Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can calm nerves during tense moments.
Try something new and exciting together, such as traveling or trying out a hobby. This helps build trust and intimacy while providing distraction from triggers.
Remember that patience is necessary when coping with emotional disconnect due to PTSD. It may take months or even years for soldiers to process their experiences fully and feel comfortable again around loved ones. But with commitment and effort, partners can find ways to cope with this challenging situation and maintain strong relationships despite difficult circumstances.
How do partners cope with the emotional disconnection that may arise from soldiers' trauma-related avoidance?
There are several ways in which partners can cope with the emotional disconnect that may occur as a result of their soldier partner's traumatic experiences. One way is through communication. Partners can learn to be empathetic listeners and try to understand what their loved ones are going through by asking questions and actively listening to their responses.