Veterans returning from deployment often face difficulties readjusting to civilian life and the changes that come with it. One area where this can be especially challenging is in their personal lives, including relationships and sexual experiences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injury are just some of the mental health issues commonly experienced by vets that may make it difficult for them to seek out help or be open about their needs. In addition, cultural stigma around seeking support for these issues can also prevent veterans from reaching out.
This article will explore barriers preventing veterans from seeking relational or sexual support post-deployment and provide potential solutions.
PTSD is one of the most common psychological consequences faced by veterans after deployments. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have suffered from PTSD in a given year. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can negatively impact personal relationships as well as intimacy and sex. Vets may find themselves feeling distant from loved ones or unable to engage in physical intimacy due to flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or triggers related to their deployment experience. This can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, making it even harder to seek out support.
Depression is another common mental health issue among vets. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 5-10% of returning soldiers suffer from major depressive disorder. Depression can cause low energy levels, hopelessness, sadness, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. It can also reduce libido, making it more challenging for vets to connect with partners emotionally or physically.
Some vets may feel embarrassed or ashamed about experiencing depression and view it as a weakness, leading them to hide their struggles rather than seeking help. This can further worsen their condition.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another factor that can make it difficult for vets to navigate relationships and sexuality. TBIs are caused by blasts or other head injuries during combat and can result in cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and mood swings. These symptoms can affect communication skills and emotional regulation, making it hard for vets to express needs or be fully present in relationships. As a result, many vets may avoid intimate situations altogether or struggle to sustain meaningful connections.
Cultural stigma around seeking relational or sexual support can also prevent veterans from getting the help they need.
Many military members may view therapy or counseling as a sign of weakness or failure rather than an act of courage. They may fear judgment or ridicule from peers if they seek out assistance.
Certain cultures may not value open discussions about sex or mental health, making it even harder for vets to talk about these issues.
Financial difficulties may prevent veterans from accessing quality care. The Veteran's Administration provides free healthcare services, but only up to a certain point. After this limit is reached, vets must pay out-of-pocket for additional treatment, which may not be affordable for some.
There are potential solutions to these barriers. Firstly, awareness campaigns and education programs can raise awareness about the importance of mental health among veterans. This can reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help when needed. Secondly, peer-to-peer support groups can provide veterans with a safe space to share their experiences without feeling judged. Thirdly, trauma-informed therapies such as EMDR or CBT can help treat PTSD, depression, and TBI symptoms effectively. Fourthly, alternative forms of support like art therapy or animal-assisted therapy can help vets connect with others in non-traditional ways.
Community organizations that focus on reintegration and healing can offer practical resources and support to vets who may otherwise feel lost or alone.
Many factors contribute to the challenges veterans face in seeking relational and sexual support post-deployment.
Understanding these obstacles is essential for providing effective interventions and helping those who have served our country achieve lasting wellness. By raising awareness about the prevalence of PTSD, depression, and TBI, destigmatizing therapy, and offering alternative forms of support, we can empower veterans to get the care they need.
What barriers prevent veterans from seeking relational or sexual support post-deployment?
Post-deployment, many veterans may experience various barriers that hinder them from seeking relational or sexual support. One of these barriers is fear and stigma associated with mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders (Lerner et al. , 2019). These conditions are often related to traumatic experiences in war zones that cause social withdrawal and isolation.