In today's world, military service is an essential part of many individuals' lives.
It can also have a significant impact on their personal lives, including their romantic relationships.
Soldiers may experience intense emotions during deployment but struggle to express them upon returning home due to trauma or stress. These difficulties can make reintegrating into civilian life challenging and strain partnerships. This article will discuss how couples sustain relational engagement when soldiers exhibit inconsistent emotional availability during reintegration periods.
Reintegration Challenges
The reintegration process for soldiers can be difficult for both parties involved. After months or even years away from home, they may feel disconnected from their loved ones. They may not be used to being around them again and may struggle to connect emotionally.
They may have experienced traumatic events that are hard to share with their partner without triggering painful memories. It is important for partners to understand these struggles and offer support, compassion, and patience.
Emotional Availability
Emotional availability refers to a person's willingness and ability to share thoughts and feelings openly and honestly with another person. When one party in a relationship has difficulty doing so, it can create distance between them and their partner. Soldiers who are struggling with emotional regulation after deployment may have trouble connecting emotionally with their partner, leading to feelings of disconnection and isolation. Partners should be patient, understanding, and offer consistent support and encouragement.
Communication Strategies
Effective communication strategies can help partners maintain connection despite inconsistent emotional availability. One approach is active listening, where the partner listens attentively to what the other person says and responds with empathy and validation. Another strategy is sharing one's own experiences and feelings, which creates a safe space for open communication.
Acknowledging and validating the soldier's experiences without judgement or criticism can help build trust and intimacy.
Physical Intimacy
Physical intimacy is also essential for sustaining relational engagement during reintegration periods. This includes touch, hugs, kisses, and sex.
It can be challenging if soldiers experience sexual dysfunction due to trauma or medications prescribed for mental health conditions. In this case, partners can seek professional help or try alternative forms of physical intimacy such as massage or cuddling. It is important to remember that everyone heals differently and to avoid making assumptions about how others feel or act.
Seeking Help
Partners should not hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed. Military-specific programs like Vet2Vet or couples therapy can provide specialized care for military families.
Psychologists can help individuals process traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms to manage stressors. Mental health professionals can also teach practical tools for improving communication and managing difficult emotions.
Sustaining relational engagement requires patience, understanding, and effort from both parties in a relationship. Partners should strive to create a safe and supportive environment where their loved ones feel comfortable expressing themselves honestly and seeking support when necessary. By prioritizing communication, physical intimacy, and seeking help when needed, couples can work together through the reintegration process and emerge stronger than before.
How do partners sustain relational engagement when soldiers exhibit inconsistent emotional availability during reintegration periods?
Sustaining relational engagement with one's partner may be challenging for couples whose soldier returns from deployment with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as emotional unavailability. Researchers suggest that consistent empathic support and communication may help partners cope with their soldier's PTSD-related behaviors and feelings during reintegration periods.