Sexual desires are strong human needs that arise from within. They can be suppressed but never completely extinguished unless they are satisfied. The same goes for soldiers who have experienced traumas such as PTSD and emotional distress. Sexual desires are one of their strongest needs, just like food or rest. And yet they struggle to satisfy them due to various reasons related to trauma. In this article, I will discuss how military personnel process these desires alongside post-traumatic stress and emotional trauma.
How do soldiers deal with sexual desires?
Soldiers have a lot of issues to cope with, including fear, death, loss, injuries, and trauma. These factors make it difficult to think about anything else other than survival, including satisfying sexual desires. It takes time to get past those struggles because they require a great deal of effort. To begin with, most soldiers become introverted, emotionally detached, and uninterested in relationships. They tend to isolate themselves and rarely socialize with others, which makes it hard to meet someone romantically. When they do form relationships, they often prefer casual ones where intimacy is limited. This is to avoid being vulnerable and opening up to someone sexually. If they experience PTSD symptoms after returning home, things get worse as they become more introverted and reclusive.
Effects of trauma on sexuality
PTSD affects people psychologically and physically. Soldiers suffering from this condition may feel anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, helplessness, and shame. Such feelings can be overwhelming and prevent them from engaging in any type of sexual behavior. The same applies when a soldier experiences emotional distress caused by war or combat. Both conditions make them feel ashamed of their bodies and their needs. Sexual desire becomes taboo, so they suppress it, making it harder to find relief through masturbation, pornography, or physical contact.
Treatment for sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a common issue among soldiers with post-traumatic stress or emotional distress. Therapy can help them cope with their symptoms and regain control of their lives again. Therapists use various methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and medications. CBT helps identify negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sexual dysfunction. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting fears and phobias related to sexuality. Mindfulness and meditation teach how to focus attention and clear the mind. Breathing exercises calm the body and help reduce stress. Relaxation techniques allow them to unwind after a long day's work or training. Medications like SSRIs are used to treat PTSD symptoms such as depression or anxiety. These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and alleviate symptoms associated with trauma.
How do sexual desires affect relationships?
Military personnel have unique relationship dynamics compared to civilians. Their jobs require them to be loyal to each other, stay alert, and follow strict rules and orders. They share close quarters while on deployment, which makes it hard for romance or intimacy. Some may form casual relationships while others avoid them altogether. Still, they all experience the same sexual urges as anyone else does. When these feelings arise, they must be addressed to maintain healthy relationships. Soldiers should communicate openly about what they want sexually and not expect partners to guess what they need. They also need space to explore their needs without feeling guilty or shameful.
Soldiers face many challenges when it comes to dealing with sexual desires alongside post-traumatic stress and emotional trauma.
Treatment can improve their lives significantly by addressing both issues simultaneously. Therapists use various methods to help soldiers regain control of their bodies and minds so that they can enjoy life again—including satisfying their sexual needs.
How do soldiers process sexual desire alongside post-traumatic stress and emotional trauma?
Soldiers may experience difficulty regulating their sexual desires and behaviors after returning from combat due to various factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other co-occurring mental health conditions.