Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can cause flashbacks to combat experiences, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness. These symptoms may interfere with their ability to form healthy romantic and sexual relationships after returning home. Veterans often feel isolated and alone in their struggles, unable to confide in loved ones about their experiences and fearful of being judged for them. To overcome these challenges, veterans must learn coping strategies that help them manage past trauma and develop new patterns of relating to others. Here are some approaches that have been found effective:
1. Seek professional help - Therapy is an essential component of recovery from PTSD. It provides a safe space where veterans can discuss their thoughts and feelings without judgment. A therapist can offer support and guidance as they work through difficult emotions and explore their own beliefs and values about sex and intimacy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially helpful for treating PTSD because it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress.
2. Connect with other veterans - Joining a peer support group allows veterans to connect with others who understand their experience and share similar concerns. They can provide emotional support, validation, and practical advice on how to cope with daily life while dealing with PTSD. Many groups also offer social events and activities to promote bonding and camaraderie.
3. Engage in self-care practices - Meditation, exercise, mindfulness, yoga, and journaling can help reduce stress and anxiety while improving physical and mental wellbeing. These activities can be done individually or in conjunction with therapy to create a more holistic approach to healing.
4. Practice mindful communication skills - PTSD can lead to isolation and difficulty communicating effectively with loved ones. Veterans may benefit from learning how to express themselves clearly and listen actively to others. Communication training courses can teach skills like active listening, assertiveness, and nonviolent conflict resolution.
5. Explore sexuality outside the home - Veterans who have had traumatic experiences during deployment may find intimacy challenging. They may avoid sex altogether or engage in unhealthy patterns of sexual behavior. By exploring their sexual desires outside their relationship, they can begin to reconnect with their bodies and develop new ways of relating to partners. This can include masturbation, pornography, or casual encounters.
6. Consider relationship counseling - If PTSD is impacting relationships, couples counseling can help address the underlying issues and work through conflicts that arise. Couples can learn healthy communication strategies, problem-solving techniques, and conflict management. They can also explore what it means to be intimate without being intimate, discuss boundaries and expectations, and establish new ground rules for sexual expression.
7. Seek out community resources - Many communities offer support services specifically designed for veterans and their families, such as free or low-cost therapy, job training programs, and family counseling. These resources can help veterans build a strong network of support beyond their immediate circle of friends and family.
8. Seek pleasure elsewhere - Pursuing hobbies and activities unrelated to relationships can provide enjoyment and satisfaction. Veterans can try hiking, rock climbing, dancing, cooking classes, painting, or anything else that brings them joy and fulfillment.
9. Practice self-compassion - Veterans must learn to accept themselves despite their past experiences and current struggles. Self-compassion exercises like meditation, journaling, or talking positively to oneself can help improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of guilt and shame.
10. Seek medical assistance - PTSD medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed by a doctor to manage symptoms. These medications should only be used under medical supervision and in combination with other treatments.
What coping strategies help veterans reconcile past trauma with current sexual and relational goals?
Veterans may utilize a variety of coping strategies to reconcile past traumatic experiences with their present sexual and relationship goals. These include seeking therapy, engaging in self-care activities, practicing mindfulness techniques, cultivating healthy relationships, building trust, exploring alternative forms of intimacy, and setting boundaries.