The military life is full of physical and mental stress that affect soldiers' well-being. One study found that 46% of military members have suffered from PTSD, and 18% had been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. In addition to these issues, military members may face interpersonal difficulties resulting from frequent relocations, limited communication with loved ones, and changing roles within the family due to deployment schedules. Military culture also emphasizes self-reliance, which can make it difficult for service members to reach out for help or admit vulnerability. These factors contribute to a sense of isolation and loneliness that can hinder emotional intimacy development with partners. The intensity of military stress can exacerbate this problem, making it harder for service members to form close relationships. When undergoing intense stressors such as combat or trauma, individuals may become disconnected from reality and unable to process experiences fully. This can lead to difficulty regulating emotions and relating to others, creating an impenetrable barrier between themself and their partner.
High levels of arousal can make it challenging for service members to relax enough to experience sexual pleasure or connect emotionally during intimate moments.
There are ways for military members to develop emotional intimacy despite military stress. First, service members should prioritize self-care by getting regular exercise, eating healthy meals, and practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation. They should also seek professional support when needed, allowing themselves time to heal before entering new romantic relationships.
Open communication about expectations and needs is essential for maintaining intimacy even while experiencing stress. By fostering authentic connection through honesty and vulnerability, service members can overcome the obstacles posed by military life and find fulfillment in their personal lives.
How does the intensity of military stress interact with emotional intimacy development?
In general, intense military stress can be detrimental to one's ability to develop emotional intimacy. The pressure of training, deployment, combat, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause individuals to withdraw emotionally from others as a coping mechanism. This may manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as increased irritability, difficulty trusting others, and an inability to express oneself authentically.