Soldiers experience many types of death, from accidents to combat fatalities. They must cope with grief and trauma, which can impact their sexual and relational functioning. Here are some ways they may manage these feelings during times of distress.
1) Coping mechanisms
Soldiers may develop coping mechanisms to deal with grief and trauma, such as avoidance or denial. This can involve ignoring emotions, disconnecting from memories, or engaging in risky behavior.
They may suppress their emotions until they become numb or self-medicate through alcohol, drugs, or sex. This can lead to negative consequences like relationship issues, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2) Sexual functioning
Grief and trauma can also affect sexual functioning. Soldiers may have difficulty initiating or maintaining intimate relationships due to feeling emotionally detached or unstable. They may feel guilty about enjoying themselves when someone has died. Some soldiers may even turn to pornography or other forms of escapism to escape reality. Others may use sex as a way to reconnect with others and express emotions.
This can be challenging if they struggle with guilt or shame.
3) Relational functioning
Grief and trauma can impact relational functioning. Soldiers may withdraw from friends, family, and partners, feeling isolated or distant. They may blame themselves for losses, leading to resentment or anger towards loved ones. Communication may suffer, making it difficult to share feelings or work together.
These experiences can strain relationships and create trust issues.
4) Professional help
Professional help is often necessary for soldiers dealing with grief and trauma. Counselors, therapists, or psychologists can provide support, resources, and tools to cope effectively. They can teach healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, or art therapy. They can also address underlying issues causing pain or anxiety, like PTSD, depression, or substance abuse. Support groups may offer additional guidance and connection.
5) Veteran organizations
Many veteran organizations exist to assist soldiers in integrating grief and trauma into their lives. These include the Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and Hope For The Warriors. They provide financial assistance, mental health services, job training, and more. Members can connect with others who understand their struggles and find hope through shared experiences. Many of these programs have online components, making them accessible worldwide.
Soldiers must manage grief and trauma during their service. This affects sexual and relational functioning, which requires professional help and support from organizations dedicated to serving military members. With time and effort, they can overcome obstacles and build fulfilling relationships based on trust, communication, and compassion.
How do soldiers integrate experiences of peer grief or trauma into sexual and relational functioning?
Soldiers who experience peer grief or trauma may have difficulty integrating these experiences into their sexual and relational functioning due to various factors such as guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may struggle with intimacy and closeness with romantic partners, leading to difficulties in sexual arousal, attraction, and performance.