Veteran's Sexual Activity After Trauma: Rebuilding Confidence And Pleasure
Veterans who have experienced physical or mental trauma often face significant challenges to their emotional health, including changes in their self-esteem, social life, and sexual functioning. Sexual dysfunction is common among military veterans, affecting up to one third of them source. This can involve a range of problems, from reduced libido and erectile difficulties in men to vaginismus and anorgasmia in women. These issues are particularly concerning because they may lead to relationship conflicts, low mood, and increased risk for depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
There are ways that veterans can rebuild confidence and pleasure in their sex lives after experiencing injury or psychological trauma. Here's how you can get started:
Step 1: Understand The Effects Of Trauma On Sexual Functioning
It's important to understand why these problems occur in the first place. Trauma causes lasting changes in brain chemistry, including higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These hormones play key roles in regulating mood, motivation, arousal, and orgasmic response. In addition, PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and avoidance behavior can make it difficult to relax during intimacy. Other factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction include physical injuries, medications, and substance abuse. Together, these effects create a complex web of obstacles to sexual satisfaction.
Step 2: Seek Professional Support
Veterans who want to improve their sexual function should seek professional support. Psychotherapy is highly effective at treating PTSD symptoms and related emotional distress source. This can help reduce anxiety and depression, which may facilitate improved sexual functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapies such as exposure therapy have been shown to be particularly useful for treating PTSD and sexual dysfunction source. Pharmacological treatments may also be prescribed, depending on the individual situation.
Step 3: Set Realistic Goals And Expectations
It's important not to expect too much from yourself or your partner right away. Instead, set small, achievable goals that allow you to build confidence over time.
Start by simply touching each other or engaging in oral sex. If intercourse is desired, try different positions or lubricants. It might take weeks or months before you feel comfortable with penetrative sex again, so don't rush it. Communicate openly with your partner about what feels good and what doesn't. Remember that progress takes time - even if things aren't perfect right now, they will get better.
Step 4: Practice Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation can help reduce physical tension during intimacy. Try practicing these techniques outside of the bedroom, so that they become a habitual response when anxiety arises. You can also incorporate relaxation into your daily life, for example by taking a few moments to breathe deeply whenever you need to calm down. Physical exercise, yoga, and mindfulness practices are all great ways to enhance relaxation and improve mood.
Step 5: Focus On Intimacy Over Performance
Don't focus exclusively on achieving orgasm or performing well - instead, focus on creating an atmosphere of intimacy, trust, and mutual pleasure. This means communicating honestly with your partner about needs and desires, being vulnerable, and giving freely without expecting anything in return. Sex therapy or couples counseling can help with this process source. Pay attention to non-sexual aspects of the relationship, such as shared activities or quality time together. These bonds strengthen over time, making sexual encounters more rewarding and fulfilling.
Step 6: Be Patient And Kind To Yourself
Rebuilding confidence and pleasure after trauma is a long process, requiring patience and self-compassion. Remember that it took time to develop these problems, and it will take time to resolve them. Don't get discouraged if things don't go perfectly every time. Instead, be kind to yourself and appreciate any progress you make along the way. Keep trying new strategies until something works for you and your partner. Sex should be enjoyable and pleasurable, even if it takes some effort to achieve at first.
Veterans who have experienced physical or mental trauma can rebuild confidence and pleasure in their sex lives by seeking professional support, setting realistic goals and expectations, practicing relaxation techniques, focusing on intimacy, and being patient and kind to themselves. With patience and persistence, most people are able to regain satisfying sexual functioning over time.
How do veterans rebuild confidence and pleasure in sexual activity after experiencing injury or psychological trauma?
Reintegrating into civilian life is difficult for many military veterans. This can impact their confidence, both sexually and otherwise. There are several ways that veterans can help themselves with this issue. One of them is by seeking support from other veterans who have experienced similar issues. They may be able to share experiences and offer advice on how they found success. Additionally, it helps if veterans try new activities or hobbies that make them feel good about themselves.