Soldiers are often subject to grueling training and life-threatening combat situations that can take an immense psychological toll. They may experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and anger due to exposure to violence, death, and destruction. This can negatively impact their ability to form close bonds and maintain intimate connections with others, including their romantic partners.
Soldiers must find ways to cope with these challenges and continue living fulfilling lives outside of the military. Here are some strategies for maintaining emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction while coping with repeated trauma and moral injury:
1. Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for building trust and connection in any relationship. Soldiers should make an effort to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with their partner, even if they feel uncomfortable or scared. This can help them feel supported and understood and create a safe space where both parties can express themselves freely.
2. Supportive relationships: Soldiers should seek out support from family members, friends, or counselors who understand their unique experiences and struggles. These individuals can provide empathy, encouragement, and practical advice when needed.
Soldiers should participate in activities or hobbies together that bring joy and relaxation.
3. Sexual intimacy: Maintaining physical intimacy through sex can be difficult after experiencing trauma or moral injury.
Soldiers should communicate with their partner about their needs and desires and try new things to keep the relationship exciting and rewarding. It's important to remember that sex isn't just about physical pleasure but also about emotional bonding and vulnerability.
4. Self-care: Taking care of oneself mentally and physically can improve overall well-being and reduce stress levels. This includes engaging in exercise, eating healthily, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and seeking therapy when necessary. By prioritizing self-care, soldiers can better manage their emotions and build resilience against adversity.
5. Acknowledging trauma: Recognizing the impact of trauma on mental health is crucial for healing and recovery. Soldiers should accept that their experiences have had an effect on them and work towards processing and integrating these memories into their lives. They should avoid suppressing their feelings or avoiding triggers altogether as this can lead to further distress.
Maintaining emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction while coping with repeated trauma and moral injury requires effort, communication, supportive relationships, open-mindedness, and self-care. By taking these steps, soldiers can build strong bonds with loved ones and continue living fulfilling lives outside of the military.
How do soldiers maintain emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction while coping with repeated trauma and moral injury?
Soldiers who experience trauma and moral injury often struggle with maintaining emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction due to their unique mental state. Repeated exposure to violence can cause them to feel disconnected from others and unable to engage emotionally, which may lead to difficulties in forming close relationships (Kolmes, 2017). Additionally, they may have difficulty trusting other people and feeling comfortable expressing themselves sexually (Mueller et al.