Veterans returning from service may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects their mental health and well-being. One effect of PTSD is sexual dysfunction, where they find it difficult to enjoy intimate relationships. Partners can support these individuals through understanding, communication, and adaptation. Partners who are sensitive to their needs, and who can adapt their expectations and practices accordingly, can help veterans experiencing trauma-related sexual anxiety.
1. Understanding the cause
Adapting to new circumstances requires knowing what causes them. Veterans suffering from PTSD have experienced extreme events that may have caused them psychological damage. Trauma can include seeing someone killed, being injured themselves, feeling helpless, facing death, witnessing abuse, fighting in combat, and more. This can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming emotional bonds. Sexual function suffers when a person feels anxious or has trouble connecting with others emotionally. Some veterans avoid intimacy altogether because of this.
2. Communication
Communication is essential for partners to understand each other's feelings and expectations. Partners need to talk about how PTSD affects their sex life, and discuss ways they can make it better. This might mean setting boundaries, such as not initiating sex at certain times, accepting less frequent intercourse, or seeking non-sexual closeness. Talking also helps veterans feel supported rather than isolated.
3. Adapting expectations
Partners should adjust their expectations to suit their partner's changed needs. They should be patient and compassionate. Rather than pressuring their partner into doing things they don't want, they should focus on intimacy through cuddling, touching, massage, and kissing. They should acknowledge that healing takes time, and that progress will be gradual. Partners must remember that they are not responsible for fixing the trauma but can help create an environment where their loved one feels safe and secure.
4. Practices
Practices can include making space for relaxation, creating private time together, engaging in activities outside of bed, trying new positions, and exploring different stimulation methods. Avoiding alcohol and drugs may also improve sexual health. Veterans who find traditional techniques difficult should try alternative practices like yoga, aromatherapy, and meditation. Partners should stay open-minded and supportive while respecting boundaries.
In what ways do partners adjust expectations and practices to support veterans experiencing trauma-related sexual anxiety?
Partners play an important role in helping their veteran loved ones overcome trauma-related sexual anxiety by being patient, understanding, and nonjudgmental. They can assist with communication, exploring coping strategies, and providing reassurance during intimate moments. Partners should be willing to learn about PTSD and other related mental health issues that may impact their partner's sexuality.