Soldiers face difficult psychological challenges while serving their country due to the traumatic events they experience during combat. One of these is the emotional conflict that emerges from both craving physical closeness and being afraid of touch. This phenomenon can be caused by various reasons, such as exposure to intense violence, suffering injuries, witnessing death, being away from loved ones for extended periods, and experiencing the stress of deployment. These experiences may lead soldiers to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which manifests through nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, guilt, and insomnia. The combination of these symptoms makes it hard for them to feel comfortable and safe around others, including those they love most, making them recoil when touched or hugged.
Despite this fear of intimacy, many soldiers still yearn for physical contact with their partners back home. They desire to be held, kissed, and cuddled, but their bodies react negatively to these gestures. The mere act of touch can trigger feelings of terror, panic, and rage. This creates a tension between their minds and bodies, causing an internal battle within themselves about whether they should accept or reject affection.
To cope with this dilemma, soldiers often rely on several strategies. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain and avoid the uncomfortable sensations. Others try to distract themselves with work, sports, or other activities. Still, some find solace in group therapy sessions where they can share their experiences with fellow comrades who have similar struggles.
Some seek professional help from mental health professionals specializing in trauma treatment.
The emotional conflict that soldiers face is complex and challenging. It takes time and patience to overcome it, but seeking support and working towards healing are crucial steps in managing this issue. Understanding the reasons behind the conflicting urges and accepting them as part of the recovery process is also essential. With the right tools and resources, soldiers can learn how to reconcile both their need for closeness and their fear of touch, allowing them to live fulfilling lives post-deployment.
How do soldiers cope with the emotional conflict between craving physical closeness and experiencing trauma-induced fear of touch?
Soldiers often struggle to reconcile their intense desire for physical intimacy with their traumatic memories of combat experiences that left them feeling vulnerable and afraid of being touched. This can lead to feelings of confusion, guilt, shame, and isolation as they try to navigate their romantic and sexual relationships while still processing their PTSD symptoms.