Military Norms Around Stoicism: How They Impact Veterans' Sexual Health
The term "military" refers to a group of people who join together to defend their country through military service. "Stoicism," on the other hand, is defined as having emotional self-control and showing courage in the face of pain. These norms are deeply ingrained in many aspects of life within the military. This article will explore how these norms can hinder veterans from seeking help for sexual or relational difficulties that they may be experiencing after leaving active duty.
One way that military norms around stoicism can impact veterans' sexual health is through their perception of what it means to seek help. In the military, seeking help is often seen as weakness, which makes it challenging for individuals to reach out for assistance when needed. This can lead to a sense of shame or embarrassment about one's own struggles with sex or relationships, making it even more difficult to open up about them.
There is often pressure to act tough and not show vulnerability, making it hard for veterans to admit that they need support with intimate issues.
Another factor that contributes to this problem is the lack of education surrounding sexuality and relationships in the military. Many veterans may not have received adequate training on these topics during their time in service, which means they are less likely to know where to turn if they encounter difficulties later on.
Military culture tends to prioritize physical strength over emotional sensitivity, making it harder for veterans to access resources specifically designed for emotional wellbeing.
The stigma surrounding mental health and PTSD can also play a role in preventing veterans from getting help for sexual or relational problems. Mental illness is often still viewed as something that should be hidden away rather than discussed publicly, leading many people to believe that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness. This can create a vicious cycle where those who need help the most are least likely to receive it due to fear of judgment from others.
Military norms around stoicism and self-sufficiency can have far-reaching effects on veterans' ability to seek help for sexual or relationship issues after leaving active duty. By raising awareness about these challenges and providing accessible resources for veterans seeking assistance, we can begin to break down some of the barriers that stand in the way of healing.
In what ways do military norms around stoicism inhibit veterans from seeking help for sexual or relational difficulties?
The military has a longstanding tradition of encouraging its members to be strong and resilient, with a focus on physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional control. This can result in soldiers feeling that expressing vulnerability or weakness is a sign of failure or weakness. As such, many veterans may be hesitant to seek assistance for sexual or relationship problems out of fear of appearing "weak" or being labeled as having an issue with their masculinity.