Combat stress can have a devastating impact on military personnel's ability to maintain meaningful relationships both during their service and after they return home from deployment.
Despite this challenge, many individuals are able to successfully manage their emotions and develop strong bonds with loved ones through creative solutions that help them cope with post-traumatic stress symptoms while still prioritizing their relationship needs. This article will explore some of these strategies for reconciling long-term relational goals with the emotional disruptions caused by repeated exposure to combat stress.
One common strategy is to set realistic expectations about communication within the relationship. During periods of heightened anxiety or depression, it may be difficult for someone who has been exposed to trauma to engage in open, honest dialogue with their partner. By recognizing this, couples can work together to establish clear boundaries around how much time they spend talking, what topics are appropriate for discussion, and when certain conversations should take place.
One partner might agree to limit their phone calls or texts during certain times of day when the other person knows they are struggling more intensely. Another option is to practice "active listening," where each individual actively listens to the other without interrupting or providing judgment or advice. This allows partners to feel heard and valued even if the conversation itself isn't always productive.
Another approach involves practicing self-care outside of the relationship. When soldiers reintegrate into civilian life, they often experience feelings of isolation and disconnection due to changing roles, responsibilities, and social networks. As a result, they may turn towards substance abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms as a way to deal with emotional pain. Instead, individuals who have experienced combat stress can prioritize taking care of themselves through activities like exercise, meditation, therapy, or hobbies that help them cope on their own terms. This can allow partners to maintain healthy boundaries while still showing support for each other's well-being.
Couples can cultivate new ways of interacting with one another by trying out new forms of intimacy. Sexual relationships may become strained after combat exposure because of changes in libido, sleep patterns, or physical discomfort.
Experimenting with sensory play such as massage, cuddling, or sensory deprivation techniques can provide pleasure without necessarily involving intercourse. Similarly, developing shared interests outside of sexual activity - whether it be cooking together, playing board games, or going camping - can create space for connection without placing too much pressure on performance-based behaviors.
Reconciling long-term relational goals with repeated exposure to combat stress requires intentionality and creativity from both parties involved. By setting clear expectations about communication, engaging in self-care practices, and finding alternative methods of expressing love and affection, military personnel and their partners can find ways forward even when facing immense challenges.
How do soldiers reconcile long-term relational goals with the emotional disruptions caused by repeated exposure to combat stress?
Soldiers may experience various emotions during their deployment periods due to the effects of combat stress, including feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, grief, and depression. The constant threat of danger, violence, trauma, and death can be emotionally overwhelming and affect their ability to maintain close relationships. Additionally, separation from family and friends, living conditions, changes in routine, and cultural differences can create additional challenges for soldier's interpersonal connections.