After returning from deployment, veterans often find it challenging to readjust to civilian life and maintain their previous level of physical fitness.
They may have difficulty sleeping due to disrupted circadian rhythms and suffer from anxiety or depression caused by trauma experienced during service. These factors can lead to changes in household roles, including how partners negotiate intimate relationships. Here are some strategies that may help facilitate adjustments for both parties:
* Identify changes in responsibilities: Soldiers should take time to reflect on what responsibilities they used to handle while away and discuss these with their partner.
If they previously handled all yardwork or cooked most meals, they must identify new expectations.
* Set realistic goals: Both partners need realistic expectations for the amount of effort required to reintegrate into civilian life. It is crucial to be patient and understand that this process can take several months or years.
* Communicate openly: Partners should communicate regularly about feelings, concerns, and needs. This helps prevent misunderstandings and allows them to work together towards common objectives. They could also seek support from family members or professionals such as counselors or therapists.
* Create a schedule: Creating a routine can help alleviate stress and establish boundaries between soldier's and partner's lives. It could include specific times for exercise, rest, chores, or socializing.
* Consider hobbies: Exploring new interests outside the home can provide emotional relief and offer opportunities for self-expression. This can be anything from playing sports, attending events, or engaging in creative pursuits.
* Seek professional help: If necessary, it is essential to seek professional assistance from mental health professionals who specialize in PTSD treatment and relationship issues. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers free psychotherapy services through its Health Care for Heros program.
By following these tips, soldiers and their partners can successfully negotiate adjustments within the household.
The process may require time, patience, and emotional recalibration.
How do partners negotiate adjusted roles within the household when soldiers' reintegration requires time, patience, and emotional recalibration?
The adjustment of roles may take time and effort from both parties involved, with some compromises needed to be made on both sides. This process is often emotionally taxing for the soldier as well as their partner since it involves readjusting to previous routines and lifestyles that were once taken for granted.