The relationship between military couples is subject to various difficulties due to the stresses of deployment and the constant threat of separation from one another.
The issue of sexual intimacy is often an underestimated aspect that can lead to considerable friction within the couple's relationship. When a service member has experienced trauma during their deployment, it becomes difficult for them to discuss the emotional impact with their partner. This creates tension in the relationship because the non-military spouse may feel uncomfortable dealing with the traumatic experiences and want to avoid discussing them. The partner may also experience feelings of guilt for being unable to provide adequate support to their spouse who is struggling with these experiences, creating a strain on their relationship. In addition to this, there are several other factors that could contribute to a relational strain when the partner feels responsible for managing trauma symptoms that directly affect intimacy and sexual connection.
The non-military spouse may struggle to understand their partner's behavior or mood swings caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could result in frustration and resentment. They may feel as though they are not meeting their partner's needs emotionally or physically, leading to further distress.
If the partner is experiencing nightmares or flashbacks related to their traumatic experiences, it can cause them to withdraw from physical intimacy with their spouse, leading to a lack of closeness and communication. Secondly, the partner who does not serve in the military might find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for their loved one while they heal. This can create a sense of isolation and loneliness within the relationship as they try to manage everything alone without any outside support. Lastly, the partner of a service member who has experienced trauma may feel like they must take on more household responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion. As a result, the couple's sex life may suffer as both partners become too tired to engage in sexual activity regularly.
The emotional burden placed upon the non-service partner due to the absence of intimacy between the two can be detrimental to the relationship. It is essential for couples to seek professional help when dealing with these issues to ensure that all parties involved receive adequate support during this challenging time. With proper guidance, couples can learn how to communicate effectively and navigate through the difficulties of PTSD-related symptoms together.
What forms of relational strain arise when the partner of a service member feels responsible for managing trauma symptoms that directly affect intimacy and sexual connection?
The partner of a service member may feel responsible for managing their loved one's trauma symptoms, which can create strains on the relationship. This pressure can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration, as the partner struggles to balance their own needs with those of their partner. The partner may also experience isolation and loneliness, as they are unable to connect emotionally or sexually due to their loved one's symptoms.