Soldiers have to deal with many challenges when returning home after serving abroad. One such challenge is that they may find it difficult to adapt their habituated stress response to the more relaxed atmosphere of family life. This can lead to conflicts between what is expected of them in terms of communication style and behavior within the family unit and what has become natural for them during deployment. In this article, we will examine how soldiers manage relational communication when habituated stress responses conflict with domestic relational norms.
When soldiers are deployed, they often develop an instinctive way of reacting to danger or stressful situations that is essential for survival. They learn to trust their gut feeling and act quickly without hesitation. This heightened state of alertness becomes ingrained in them and continues even after they return home.
This way of acting can be disruptive when applied to everyday life.
A soldier who has been trained to respond aggressively to perceived threats might find themselves snapping at their spouse or children when there is no real danger present.
One way that soldiers cope with this challenge is by trying to understand their partner's perspective. By listening actively and empathizing with their partner's feelings, they can try to better understand why their actions may seem out of place. This requires patience and an effort to see things from their partner's point of view. Soldiers must also work to communicate clearly and concisely so that their message does not get lost in translation. They should avoid jargon and acronyms unless necessary and explain any military-specific terminology before using it.
Another strategy is to take breaks from intense communication and engage in activities that calm down the body's physiological response to stress. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can all help reduce tension and anxiety. Some couples have found success in creating a safe space where both partners can vent frustrations without judgment or retaliation. It is important for each person to remember that the other is coming from a different background and experiences and that misunderstandings are bound to arise.
Some couples seek professional help to address these challenges. A therapist can provide a neutral third party perspective and offer techniques to improve communication and build trust between partners. Couples counseling can be especially beneficial if one partner struggles with mental health issues such as PTSD or depression. Together, the couple can learn how to rebuild their relationship and support each other through difficult times.
Adapting to civilian life after deployment can be a challenge for soldiers who have developed habituated stress responses.
By working together with their partners and seeking outside help when needed, they can find ways to manage relational communication and maintain strong relationships even in high-stress situations.
How do soldiers manage relational communication when habituated stress responses conflict with domestic relational norms?
Although soldiers may be accustomed to communicating in a way that is direct and hierarchical, they must learn to adapt their communication styles to meet the needs of civilian relationships, which often emphasize empathy and intimacy. This can be difficult for soldiers who have been trained to suppress their emotions and act stoically in combat situations, as it may cause them to struggle with expressing themselves authentically.