Soldiers often face challenges during their service that can impact their mental health and wellbeing upon returning home. One of these challenges is adjusting to civilian life after being away from it for an extended period of time. This adjustment process is known as reintegration and can be difficult for many reasons, including psychological trauma and stress. Soldiers may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression due to what they have seen or experienced while serving. These experiences can make it hard for them to connect with family members or loved ones when they return home.
Reintegrating soldiers may also struggle with their emotional patterns fluctuating, making it harder for them to sustain relational engagement. This is because PTSD symptoms can cause feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, and mistrust. It can be difficult for partners to understand why their soldier is acting differently than before or feeling distant.
There are ways partners can help maintain relational engagement even during times when their soldier's emotions fluctuate.
One way partners can support their soldier is by listening empathetically. When someone is struggling with mental health issues like PTSD, they need a safe space where they feel heard and understood. Listening without judgment or trying to fix the problem helps build trust and connection between partners. Partners should also avoid taking things personally if their soldier becomes angry or withdrawn; instead, try to remain calm and understanding.
Another way partners can support their soldier is by offering practical help. Reintegration can be overwhelming for soldiers who are used to living in tight-knit military communities. They may need help navigating civilian life or seeking treatment for PTSD symptoms. Offering assistance with everyday tasks like grocery shopping or errands shows that you care about your soldier's wellbeing and want to help alleviate stressors.
Partners can practice self-care to maintain their own wellbeing during this challenging time. Reintegration is not just hard on soldiers but also on partners who have been supporting them from afar while away. Taking time for oneself allows partners to recharge and stay strong for their soldier. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or exercise can help manage feelings of stress and improve overall mental health.
Reintegrating soldiers face unique challenges due to their experiences while serving, including fluctuating emotional patterns.
Partners can sustain relational engagement through empathic listening, offering practical help, and practicing self-care. These strategies can help strengthen relationships even when PTSD symptoms make it difficult for soldiers to connect with family members or loved ones.
How do partners sustain relational engagement when soldiers' emotional patterns fluctuate due to reintegration and post-traumatic experiences?
Research on partner relationships of military veterans reveals that maintaining engagement with one's partner can be challenging because of unpredictable mood swings and trauma symptoms. The stressors associated with returning to civilian life after military deployment make it difficult for soldiers to adjust to their new routine. This transition causes sudden changes in emotional states, which may negatively impact partner communication and intimacy levels.