When soldiers return home from deployment, their mental health may be affected. They may have experienced traumatic events such as combat or terrorist attacks that can cause anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental illnesses. This can make it difficult for them to maintain stable relationships with their partners. Inconsistent emotional responsiveness is one of the most common issues faced by military couples after deployment. Partners play an important role in supporting relational stability when soldiers' emotions are unpredictable due to PTSD symptoms. Here's how they do it:
1. Establishing routine routines: When soldiers are away, partners can create regular schedules, like cooking dinner together every night or watching TV shows during certain hours. This predictability helps soldiers know what to expect when they come back home.
2. Maintaining open communication: Partners should communicate regularly about their feelings and concerns, even if they don't want to discuss them. This allows both parties to understand each other better and prevents misunderstandings from arising.
3. Providing physical support: Physical touch can help reduce stress levels and promote bonding between partners. Hugs, kisses, massages, cuddles, and sexual activity can all serve this purpose.
4. Seeking professional help: If a soldier has PTSD symptoms, partners should encourage them to seek counseling or therapy. It can help them process their experiences and regain control over their emotions.
5. Learning patience: Returning soldiers may need time to adjust before they feel comfortable sharing their feelings again. Partners should be patient and understanding, knowing that healing takes time.
6. Practicing empathy: Listening actively and validating the partner's feelings can make him/her feel understood and supported. It also encourages soldiers to share more freely.
7. Avoiding criticism: Criticism can worsen mental health problems and damage relationships. Partners should avoid criticizing soldiers for their emotional responses. Instead, offer positive reinforcement by appreciating their effort in improving themselves.
By supporting relational stability through these strategies, partners can build strong connections with returning soldiers. They will have a better chance of maintaining intimacy and happiness despite unpredictable emotional responsiveness caused by deployment trauma.
How do partners support relational stability when soldiers' emotional responsiveness is inconsistent after deployment?
Soldiers who have been deployed may experience an array of emotions related to their service. Some may be overwhelmed with joy at returning home, while others feel disconnected from family members and friends they left behind. The military culture also values stoicism, making it difficult for some soldiers to express vulnerability or emotion. As such, partners may need to be flexible and understanding about how their soldier is feeling and how that affects the relationship.