Sexual tension is a common phenomenon among soldiers who are deployed to combat zones for extended periods of time.
It can also cause feelings of guilt and frustration when they return home and reconnect with their partners. This article will explore how soldiers cope with these emotions.
Guilt
When soldiers are away from their loved ones for months at a time, they may experience feelings of guilt. They may feel like they have neglected their partner's needs and that they are no longer worthy of being intimate with them after all the risks they have taken while serving their country. This can be especially true if the soldier has been injured or has seen death and destruction up close. These feelings can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Frustration
The absence of physical intimacy during deployment can also lead to feelings of frustration. Soldiers may find themselves craving touch and affection but unable to get it due to safety concerns or cultural norms. This can make it difficult to rekindle romance upon returning home. It can also lead to sexual dysfunction, which can further exacerbate feelings of guilt and self-loathing.
Coping mechanisms
To cope with these emotions, some soldiers turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to numb their pain. Others may engage in risky behaviors such as extramarital affairs or pornography addiction. Some may try to avoid sex altogether, feeling guilty about what they have done while deployed or unable to fully connect emotionally.
Research suggests that open communication is one of the most effective ways for couples to address these issues together. This includes talking honestly about expectations, boundaries, and desires before deployments occur and exploring new ways to express love and intimacy when reunited.
Sexual tension among soldiers can lead to complicated emotions like guilt and frustration. To cope, soldiers must communicate openly and work through their emotions with their partners. By doing so, they can build stronger relationships and maintain healthy levels of intimacy despite the challenges of military service.
How do soldiers cope with guilt or frustration from interrupted intimacy or separation?
Soldiers may feel guilty about leaving their partners and family behind during deployment or being separated for long periods of time. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It's important for soldiers to acknowledge these feelings and work through them by talking to someone they trust, such as a fellow soldier, a chaplain, or a therapist.