What is meant by "the pressure to return to normal" after deployment?
After a deployment, service members are often expected to return to their pre-deployment lives quickly, including reconnecting with family and friends, resuming work duties, and readjusting to civilian life. This pressure can come from various sources such as employers, military leadership, or family members who may want them back to how things were before they left.
This pressure can disrupt natural healing processes necessary for intimate reconnection.
Why do we need to allow time for natural healing processes?
When people experience trauma or stressful events, it affects their bodies and minds. This can result in physical symptoms like headaches, sleeplessness, and muscle tension and emotional effects like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The body needs time to heal from these experiences, and it can take weeks or months before the person feels normal again. Reconnecting with loved ones requires vulnerability, which can be difficult when someone has been through trauma. It takes time for trust to build up again after being apart.
How does the pressure to return to normal affect intimate relationships?
The pressure to return to normal can cause people to rush into intimacy without fully healing from their deployment experience. They may feel guilty about not wanting to have sex or engage in other sexual activities right away and may try to push themselves beyond what is comfortable. This can lead to further damage to their relationship and make it harder to connect emotionally.
The added stress of trying to balance work, family, and social obligations while still recovering from deployment can strain a relationship.
What are some ways to support healthy reintegration after deployment?
To support healthy reintegration, service members should receive adequate mental health care, including therapy, counseling, or medication management if needed. They should also set boundaries around work hours and avoid overcommitting to social engagements until they feel ready. Communicating openly with loved ones about how they are feeling and expressing gratitude for their patience during this time can help build trust and understanding.
Allowing for space and privacy within the relationship, such as separate bedrooms or private activities, can give both parties the chance to process their experiences independently.
How does the pressure to quickly “return to normal” after deployment disrupt natural healing processes necessary for intimate reconnection?
The pressure to quickly "return to normal" can be a barrier to reconnecting with loved ones after deployment as it may impede the healing process that is essential for intimacy. Deployment involves separation from one's family members, which can have significant psychological, emotional, and cultural impacts on both parties. Returning to familiar routines too soon can prevent individuals from fully processing their experiences and feelings, potentially leading to unresolved trauma or stress.