Soldiers are expected to go through rigorous training before being deployed for combat operations, which can last up to several months. During this time, they undergo physical, mental, and psychological preparations to ensure their readiness for battle.
Despite these efforts, there is always a risk that some soldiers will experience traumatic events during deployment, such as witnessing death and injury, facing imminent danger, and suffering physical and emotional stress. This exposure to fear and shock can have long-term effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulty reconnecting with loved ones upon returning home. While it is important to provide support for soldiers' emotional wellbeing, little attention has been given to how they manage emotional reconnection with partners after long-term deployment.
Researchers have begun studying the ways in which soldiers manage their relationships after deployment. One study found that soldiers may avoid intimacy and sexuality as a way of coping with PTSD symptoms, such as hypervigilance, distrust, and flashbacks.
One soldier described feeling "like a child" when trying to express love to his partner, who had also experienced trauma while he was away. Another said he felt guilty about not being able to enjoy sex or share his feelings because of intrusive memories from combat. These findings suggest that soldiers may need additional support beyond traditional therapy sessions to help them reconnect emotionally with their partners.
Other studies have shown that soldiers can use sexual activity as a way of bonding with their partners and managing their emotions. One study found that couples who engaged in more frequent sexual activity were better at communicating and sharing emotions with each other compared to those who did not. Another study showed that soldiers who felt connected to their partners through sexual intimacy reported lower levels of PTSD symptoms than those who did not.
Some soldiers may seek out non-traditional forms of intimacy, such as BDSM or fetishism, to explore their boundaries and desires without judgment.
Despite these conflicting findings, it is clear that soldiers face unique challenges in their relationships after deployment. They may experience guilt, shame, anger, and fear related to their experiences, which can make it difficult to express themselves fully. They may also struggle with changes in their physical appearance or personality due to stress.
They may feel like they don't fit into civilian life anymore or have difficulty adjusting to family roles and responsibilities.
To address these issues, military personnel should receive ongoing education and training on relationship health, including communication skills, conflict resolution, and healthy expressions of love and desire. Couples counseling or therapy may also be beneficial for soldiers and their partners, particularly if they are experiencing trauma together.
Military leaders should provide resources and programs to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of soldiers and their families before, during, and after deployment, to prevent long-term negative impacts on relationships.
How do soldiers manage emotional reconnection with partners after long-term exposure to fear and shock?
The emotional reintegration process can be challenging for those who have experienced trauma due to prolonged exposure to fear and shock, such as soldiers. Soldiers may struggle with feelings of anxiety, guilt, depression, isolation, and PTSD symptoms that impact their relationships with loved ones. Some factors that can influence this transition include social support, communication skills, trust issues, intimacy barriers, and coping mechanisms.