Combat is an inherently stressful situation that can have many psychological and physical effects on soldiers. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of military personnel experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after deployment, which involves symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors source. One often-overlooked aspect of PTSD is its impact on romantic relationships, including changes to sexual desire, trust, and emotional vulnerability. In this article, we will explore how combat-related trauma affects these aspects of interpersonal connections.
Sexual Desire
Prolonged exposure to combat can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction in veterans. This can manifest in several ways, including decreased interest in sex, difficulty achieving arousal or orgasm, and negative feelings about one's body and attractiveness. The reasons for this are varied but may include depression, anxiety, guilt, and feelings of shame.
Some veterans may feel a sense of detachment from their partner due to traumatic experiences during their service source. These factors can create tension and frustration within a relationship, leading to increased conflict and potentially the breakdown of intimacy.
Trust
Trust is essential to any healthy relationship, and it is especially crucial in marriages where both partners have served in the military.
Prolonged exposure to combat can erode this foundation. Veterans with PTSD may be more likely to exhibit suspicious behavior, distrust their partner's motives, and become hypervigilant to potential threats. This can cause significant strain on the relationship, particularly if one partner feels misunderstood or unsupported by the other.
Emotional Vulnerability
Prolonged exposure to combat can make individuals less emotionally available and more distant from others, which can negatively impact romantic relationships. Veterans may struggle to express emotions or open up to their partners out of fear that they will be judged or criticized. They may also withdraw from social situations, preferring isolation over connection.
These behaviors can lead to emotional distance and loneliness within the relationship.
In what ways does prolonged exposure to combat stress affect sexual desire, trust, and emotional vulnerability in romantic relationships?
Prolonged exposure to combat stress can have various effects on romantic relationships, including decreased sexual desire, reduced trust, and increased emotional vulnerability. This is due to changes in hormone levels, brain chemistry, and behavioral patterns that occur during prolonged periods of high stress. Sexual desire can be affected by chronic stress in several ways.