Hypervigilance and trauma-related withdrawal are common mental health issues that affect many individuals, particularly those who have served in the military. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's ability to form and maintain healthy romantic relationships.
There are strategies that military couples can employ to maintain emotional connection and relational trust even when one partner is experiencing hypervigilance or trauma-related withdrawal.
The first step in maintaining a healthy relationship is communication. Military couples should communicate openly and honestly about their feelings and experiences. This includes sharing both positive and negative emotions and acknowledging each other's needs and concerns. Couples should also establish clear boundaries around how much personal space they need and respect each other's privacy.
Another important strategy is to focus on building trust. Trust is essential for any healthy relationship, but it can be particularly challenging to build and maintain in a relationship where one partner exhibits hypervigilance or trauma-related withdrawal. Military couples can work together to create a safe environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. They should also prioritize spending quality time together outside of stressful situations.
Couples therapy can also be helpful in addressing these issues. A trained therapist can help military couples identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to hypervigilance or trauma-related withdrawal and provide tools and techniques for managing them. Therapy can also help couples develop better communication skills and deepen their understanding of each other's perspectives.
Military couples should consider engaging in activities that promote physical intimacy. Physical touch, such as hugging, holding hands, or cuddling, can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall wellbeing.
Regular sex can strengthen the bond between partners and promote emotional connection.
While hypervigilance and trauma-related withdrawal can present significant challenges for military couples, there are strategies that can help them maintain emotional connection and relational trust. By communicating openly, focusing on trust-building, seeking support through therapy, and engaging in physical intimacy, military couples can strengthen their relationships even under difficult circumstances.
How do military couples maintain emotional connection and relational trust when one partner exhibits hypervigilance or trauma-related withdrawal?
As military couples face unique challenges such as deployments and combat experiences, it is essential for them to prioritize their relationship through regular communication, empathetic listening, and joint problem-solving (Davis, 2016).