Trauma is an event that causes psychological distress or mental harm to someone. It can be caused by different events such as accidents, violence, abuse, witnessing violence, deaths, etc. In recent years, research has shown that trauma can also affect sexual functioning and the capacity for intimacy among soldiers who have experienced it. This article will discuss how this happens and what are some ways to manage it.
Many studies have been conducted on this topic, and they all suggest that traumatic experiences may cause changes in the brain's neural circuits, which lead to changes in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and even sexual satisfaction. One study found that when men were exposed to shocks during masturbation, they had lower levels of testosterone than those who did not experience trauma. Another study showed that women who had experienced sexual assault reported less sexual pleasure afterward. These studies suggest that trauma can alter the way people respond sexually.
Trauma can also impact the ability to form relationships and trust others.
If you have been through war or combat, you may find it hard to let go of your guard around other people because you might fear them being a threat. You might become emotionally distant and avoid close connections with others. If you do manage to get into a relationship, you might feel like you don't deserve love or affection due to feelings of guilt and shame from past experiences. All these factors can make it difficult to develop intimate relationships.
There are ways to manage these challenges. One way is through therapy. There are many types of therapies available today that help people cope with trauma-related issues such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, EMDR, etc. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones while exposing them gradually to situations that trigger their anxiety or fear. Exposure therapy involves facing the feared situation repeatedly until it becomes less frightening over time. EMDR uses eye movement patterns to reprocess painful memories so that they no longer cause distress.
Another way is through self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, etc. These activities can reduce stress levels and increase relaxation which can improve mood and sleep quality. Regular physical activity also boosts endorphins, which can lead to increased pleasure during sexual activity.
Experiencing traumatic events can impact someone's sexual functioning and capacity for intimacy.
Seeking professional help and engaging in self-care activities can significantly improve these outcomes. Remember that everyone goes through different experiences, and what works for one person may not work for another, so finding the right combination of treatments and strategies is essential.
How does trauma influence sexual functioning and the capacity for intimacy among soldiers?
Soldiers who have experienced combat often develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact their ability to form close relationships and engage in healthy sexual activities. PTSD is characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, depression, and hypervigilance. These symptoms may cause veterans to be overly suspicious or defensive, making them feel unsafe around others, including romantic partners.