As warriors face various traumatic events while fighting in conflict zones, they may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, loneliness, and depression. These emotions can interfere with their social, occupational, and personal lives, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even suicidal thoughts.
Studies have shown that sexual support - which includes physical touch, verbal communication, sensual activities, and emotional intimacy - can mitigate the psychological impact of combat stress. This article will explore how different forms of sexual support can help alleviate PTSD symptoms in military personnel.
One type of sexual support is intimate physical contact, such as hugging, holding hands, kissing, massage, and cuddling. Physical closeness reduces cortisol levels, promotes oxytocin production, and releases endorphins, creating a feeling of comfort and well-being. It also increases confidence, self-esteem, and trust between partners. Couples who engage in regular physical contact report lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who do not. Touch therapy has been used effectively in treating veterans with PTSD by providing gentle pressure to the arms and legs.
Another form of sexual support is verbal communication, including talking about feelings, listening attentively, expressing gratitude, and affirming positive aspects of each other's personality. Talking about traumatic experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment helps reduce distress and increase resilience. Veterans who feel heard and understood are less likely to experience flashbacks and nightmares. Verbal intimacy encourages emotional openness and strengthens relationships, reducing loneliness and isolation. It may even improve sleep quality and decrease substance abuse.
Sensual activities, such as touching, caressing, or kissing erogenous zones, can release tension and promote relaxation. They create a sense of arousal and pleasure that distracts from negative thoughts and memories. Sensual activities help couples reconnect and build intimacy, increasing feelings of safety and security.
They should be performed after establishing trust and mutual consent.
Emotional intimacy refers to sharing deep emotions, feelings, and thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism. Emotional closeness creates a strong bond between partners, improving their ability to cope with stressors and supporting them during difficult times. It allows individuals to share vulnerabilities, alleviate anxieties, and enhance self-esteem. Couples who engage in emotional intimacy report higher relationship satisfaction and commitment levels.
Different forms of sexual support - including physical contact, verbal communication, sensual activities, and emotional intimacy - can mitigate the psychological impact of combat stress on military personnel. These forms of support provide comfort, warmth, confidence, positive reinforcement, and emotional closeness, all of which reduce PTSD symptoms and promote mental health. Therefore, couples experiencing trauma should consider incorporating sexual support into their relationship to foster healing and resilience.
How do different forms of sexual support mitigate the psychological impact of combat stress?
When serving in the military, members are exposed to various types of traumatic experiences that can affect their mental health. One way that sexual support may help alleviate the negative effects is by promoting emotional intimacy and trust between partners. This can provide a sense of stability and security during times of uncertainty and instability. Additionally, engaging in physical activity together can help reduce tension and release endorphins, which can improve mood and well-being.