Soldiers are trained to deal with physical danger while deployed but may have difficulties dealing with emotional issues that arise from being away from home for an extended period of time. Deployment can lead to a disruption of emotional continuity and relational habits, making it challenging to maintain relationships upon return. Soldiers must learn new strategies to rebuild relational competence and strengthen their relationships after deployment. This article will discuss how soldiers can rebuild relational competence when prior deployments disrupt emotional continuity and relational habits.
Reconnecting with family
The first step in rebuilding relational competence is reconnecting with family members who may have felt neglected during deployment. Family members need to understand that their loved one's absence does not mean they no longer care about them and should be patient as they adjust to being back home. The soldier should make time for quality time with their family, such as going out to dinner or taking a walk together. They should also communicate openly and honestly about their experiences while deployed and listen actively to their family member's concerns.
Communication skills
Communication skills are critical to building and sustaining healthy relationships. Soldiers should practice active listening by fully attending to what their partner says without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. They should also express themselves clearly, avoiding ambiguous language that could cause misunderstandings. Active listening involves responding thoughtfully to the other person's statements and acknowledging their feelings and perspective.
Emotional regulation
Soldiers who experienced traumatic events while deployed may struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to conflicts within relationships. They should learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to calm down before reacting emotionally. Emotional regulation also includes learning to identify and manage triggers that can lead to negative emotions.
Building trust
Trust is essential in any relationship, but it may be especially challenging after deployment due to the strain on the bond between partners. To build trust again, soldiers must be transparent and accountable in their actions. They should also show appreciation for their partner and respect their boundaries. They should also work towards shared goals and interests and maintain a sense of humor.
Developing intimacy
Intimacy requires vulnerability and sharing personal thoughts and feelings with another person. After deployment, soldiers may feel detached from their partner, making it difficult to develop intimacy. They should set aside time regularly to engage in activities that promote closeness, such as cuddling or kissing. Intimate touch can help rebuild the physical connection between partners.
Seeking support
Seeking professional counseling can help soldiers deal with emotional issues that arise from deployment. A therapist can provide tools and strategies for managing stress and anxiety and helping them process their experiences. It can also help couples communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts. Soldiers should also consider joining a support group for veterans or attending therapy sessions with their partner.
Soldiers who have experienced prior deployments must learn new ways to establish and strengthen relationships upon return home. Reconnecting with family members, practicing communication skills, emotion regulation, building trust, developing intimacy, and seeking support are all important steps in this process. With patience and effort, soldiers can rebuild relational competence and enjoy healthy relationships after deployment.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when prior deployments disrupt emotional continuity and relational habits?
The ability of soldiers to rebuild relational competence after being deployed is dependent on several factors such as their level of mental health, cultural attitudes towards relationships, and social support from family members and friends. When soldiers return home from deployment, they may experience difficulties adjusting back into civilian life and maintaining relationships with family and friends due to changes in their behavioral patterns.