Soldiers are often exposed to situations that have a significant impact on their mental health. This is especially true for those who experience combat trauma. As a result, they may struggle to form meaningful connections with others due to fear of rejection, distrust, and emotional numbness.
Research has shown that having strong social support networks can help mitigate these negative effects. One way to build these networks is through healthy romantic relationships. But how does a soldier balance their need for closeness and intimacy while living under constant stress and danger? In this article, we will explore some strategies and techniques that can help soldiers maintain close bonds despite chronic exposure to risky environments.
Let's define what "relational intimacy" means. Relational intimacy refers to the depth of connection between individuals in a relationship. It includes physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects such as trust, vulnerability, understanding, empathy, communication, respect, affection, loyalty, and mutuality. When two people share a deep level of intimacy, it feels like there is nothing left unsaid between them. They know each other's thoughts, feelings, and desires without having to say anything explicitly. So how do soldiers achieve this level of intimacy when they are constantly exposed to danger?
One strategy is to focus on quality over quantity when building relationships. Soldiers should prioritize finding one or two people they can rely on emotionally rather than trying to spread themselves too thin among many acquaintances. This could be a spouse or partner at home or a fellow soldier they can confide in during deployment. When soldiers feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing their struggles with someone, it helps to build trust and connection.
Another technique is to communicate openly about fears and anxieties related to combat trauma. Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects their ability to connect with others. By talking openly about these experiences, soldiers can create a safe space for their partners to understand and support them.
Couples therapy or group therapy may help address any underlying issues that make it difficult to connect.
Soldiers should also remember that relational intimacy does not have to involve sex. Sexual attraction and desire are important parts of any relationship, but they don't necessarily define the depth of the bond. Focusing on nonsexual activities such as cuddling, holding hands, or sharing feelings and emotions can help strengthen the relationship outside the bedroom. This can lead to greater sexual satisfaction down the road.
Soldiers need to practice self-care to maintain mental health and avoid burnout. Taking time for hobbies, exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can reduce stress and increase resilience. It's also important to set boundaries around work-life balance so soldiers can spend quality time with loved ones without feeling overwhelmed by work demands.
Soldiers can achieve relational intimacy despite chronic exposure to high-risk environments through quality over quantity, communication, counseling, alternative forms of intimacy, and self-care. With these strategies in mind, soldiers can build strong relationships while still staying true to themselves and managing their mental health needs.
How do soldiers reconcile relational intimacy needs with the psychological effects of chronic exposure to high-risk environments?
Soldiers are trained to maintain objectivity and distance from their surroundings as a part of military training. This is especially true for those who serve in high-risk environments where they may witness trauma and violence on a daily basis. Soldiers often experience a sense of disconnection from society due to this distancing, which can make it difficult to establish and maintain healthy relationships outside of their unit.