Soldiers often deploy to war zones where they experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to changes in their behavior and mood. When returning home from deployment, these soldiers may find it difficult to readjust to civilian life and maintain healthy relationships with their partners. This can be especially challenging if their partner is unfamiliar with the new coping mechanisms they have developed during deployment, such as increased alcohol consumption or withdrawal from social activities. To navigate this emotional recalibration, partners must understand how their soldier's coping strategies alter pre-existing relational norms and work together to create a new balance that works for both parties.
Partners should communicate openly and honestly about their needs and expectations. This includes talking about their individual fears and insecurities related to the relationship, as well as acknowledging any changes in physical intimacy or communication patterns. It may also involve setting boundaries around behaviors like drinking or spending time alone. By being transparent about what each person wants and needs from the other, partners can develop a shared understanding of the new dynamics in their relationship.
Partners can try to recognize and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the change in coping strategies.
Some soldiers may return home with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or other mental health conditions that require additional support and attention. Partners can help by providing emotional support and seeking professional help when needed. They can also engage in activities that bring them closer together, such as therapy sessions or group counseling.
Partners can work on developing new routines and rituals that allow them to reconnect after extended periods apart. This might include scheduling regular date nights or planning trips together. By focusing on building new memories and experiences, partners can move past the challenges of adjustment and establish a new normal that is based on mutual respect and understanding.
Navigating emotional recalibration when soldiers' coping strategies alter pre-existing relational norms requires patience, empathy, and willingness to adapt to change. Through open communication, supportive behavior, and intentional effort, partners can build a stronger, more resilient relationship that is capable of weathering even the most difficult circumstances.
How do partners navigate emotional recalibration when soldiers' coping strategies alter pre-existing relational norms?
When military personnel return from combat deployment, they often experience difficulty readjusting to civilian life, which can impact their relationships with family members and friends (Park & Yoo, 2015). Veterans may struggle to communicate about their experiences during war and find it challenging to express intense emotions related to trauma exposure (Romero et al. , 2020).