Soldiers are trained to be alert and vigilant in battle. They must be ready to fight, protect themselves and their comrades, and avoid getting killed. This requires a constant state of high arousal that can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension. At the same time, they may also desire physical and emotional intimacy with another person. These conflicting needs can make it difficult for soldiers to reconcile their fears and hypervigilance with their desires for closeness. The article discusses how soldiers deal with this dilemma and maintain healthy relationships despite the challenges of military life.
One way soldiers cope is through communication. Talking about their experiences and emotions with a partner can help them feel more connected and understood. It can also provide an outlet for their pent-up feelings and give them a chance to process what they have been through. Another strategy is engaging in physical activity or exercise together. Physical exertion releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and improve mood.
Sex itself can be a form of exercise and release. Exploring different forms of sensual touch, such as massage or cuddling, can also be beneficial.
Many factors can interfere with healthy sexuality during deployment. Lack of privacy, limited resources, and constant monitoring by superiors can all impede intimacy. Soldiers may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame if they seek pleasure while away from home. They may worry about the impact on family members, children, or loved ones back home.
Some soldiers face trauma that makes them avoid sex altogether.
To address these issues, soldiers can seek professional help from therapists who specialize in PTSD and other mental health conditions. Therapy can help them explore and process their feelings, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with loved ones. Some units offer couples counseling or relationship education programs to support soldiers' relationships.
Soldiers must find ways to balance fear and vigilance with closeness and connection in order to maintain healthy relationships and wellbeing.
In what ways do soldiers reconcile feelings of fear and hypervigilance with desires for sexual closeness?
In times of war, military service members often experience extreme levels of stress due to the nature of their work, which can manifest as feelings of fear and hypervigilance. While these responses may be necessary for survival, they can also interfere with intimacy and other personal relationships. Despite this challenge, many soldiers are able to find ways to balance these competing needs by utilizing effective coping mechanisms such as mindfulness practices or seeking out support groups.