Soldiers are trained to exhibit strong emotions, such as courage, determination, and discipline in dangerous situations.
They may experience subtle emotional changes that can go unnoticed by their loved ones. Traumatic experiences like witnessing death, seeing friends injured, or feeling helplessness due to combat stressors can cause anxiety, depression, and guilt. These changes can affect intimate relationships when soldiers return home from deployment. Partners must be aware of these changes and learn how to interpret them accurately.
The first sign is increased irritability. Soldiers who have experienced trauma may become more sensitive to triggers, causing sudden outbursts of anger or frustration. They may lash out at family members without provocation or become angry over minor issues. This behavior can negatively impact partnerships and lead to conflict. Another sign is withdrawal from social activities. Soldiers may avoid spending time with loved ones or engage less in conversation. They may prefer solitude, which can make partners feel rejected or unwanted. Increased alcohol consumption is another warning sign. Soldiers may turn to alcohol to self-medicate, leading to binge drinking or alcohol abuse. This behavior can damage relationships and threaten personal safety.
Some veterans may experience a loss of interest in sexual intimacy. This change can affect partners' perceptions of their relationship, creating tension and distance.
To identify these changes, partners should observe nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Pay attention to subtle changes, like short responses or avoidance of topics. Ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and create safe spaces for sharing emotions. Offer empathy and validation, acknowledging the soldier's experiences and feelings. Seek professional help if needed, and don't blame or shame the partner for their actions. Understand that healing takes time and patience, and seek support groups or counseling to manage stressors together. By recognizing these signs early on, partners can address them proactively and build stronger relationships.
How do partners interpret subtle emotional changes in soldiers caused by trauma or moral injury during deployment?
Partners may perceive their military member's demeanor as irritable and withdrawn after deployment due to experiences that resulted in traumatic stress. They might also notice an increase in alcohol consumption, avoidance of family gatherings, difficulties engaging in intimacy, and other signs of isolation.