Partners have an important role to play in helping their loved ones recover from combat stress disorders. They can facilitate this process by making sure they are there for their partner during the transition and by maintaining clear communication channels.
When a soldier returns home after serving in war, he/she may be experiencing different levels of PTSD symptoms. Some days the person might feel fine and not experience any problems; however, some days he/she could be reeling from trauma episodes that can last for hours or even longer. The fluctuating nature of these symptoms makes it difficult for partners to understand what is happening inside the mind of their loved one. This makes trust difficult because the partner has no idea how long the mood will last and whether the soldier's behavior is justified.
Partners may become frustrated when they do not receive proper attention or assistance from their spouse. Therefore, they need to work together as a team to make sure they keep the lines of communication open so that both parties feel secure and comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. When communication breaks down between partners, it becomes hard for them to build intimacy because each one feels like they cannot rely on each other anymore.
In order to overcome this challenge, couples should establish rules such as "no yelling" or "no blaming." These rules help create healthy boundaries and provide a safe environment where soldiers can express themselves freely without fear of being attacked or criticized. Partners should also consider engaging in regular activities together –such as exercising together– which helps increase closeness and connection between them while providing an outlet for stress relief.
As time passes, the level of communication between partners improves along with the ability to cope with trauma symptoms. Partners learn how to better support their loved ones by understanding what triggers them into different moods and recognizing when it is best to step back instead of getting too involved. It takes patience but eventually, these efforts pay off since both partners start feeling more connected again, allowing them to build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and love rather than fear or distrust.
How do partners maintain trust and communication when soldiers' reintegration is influenced by fluctuating trauma symptoms?
Reintegration can be challenging for veterans who have experienced traumatic events during military service due to their fluctuating trauma symptoms. The partner plays an essential role in assisting the veteran in adjusting to civilian life, but they must also manage their expectations.