Combat trauma is one of the most significant issues faced by military personnel who have served in active duty. It refers to the mental health condition that affects veterans after returning from war or conflict zones. This condition manifests itself through symptoms such as hypervigilance, irritability, flashbacks, and nightmares. These symptoms can also lead to severe physical reactions like insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Combat trauma has been shown to cause negative impacts on their personal lives, including relationship problems, which can be detrimental to their psychological wellbeing.
Military couples are more prone to divorce than civilians because of unhealthy communication, lack of trust, and low intimacy.
Sexual intimacy can play an important role in mitigating the psychological impact of combat trauma and operational stress. Sexual intimacy is defined as close emotional and physical contact between two people based on mutual consent. Intimate relationships are critical in fostering closeness and empathy between partners, which helps them feel connected to each other despite living in a challenging environment. Thus, sexual intimacy can help soldiers heal from combat trauma's effects and cope with the stress of operations.
One way sexual intimacy reduces the psychological impact of combat trauma is that it reduces the risk of isolation. Military personnel often face difficulties communicating openly about their feelings when they return home from war zones due to various reasons. As a result, they experience loneliness and depression, which worsens their mental health.
Sexually intimate relationships offer veterans a chance to share their innermost thoughts and feelings safely without fear of judgement or ridicule. They provide an opportunity for vulnerability and bonding, allowing veterans to express themselves freely while their partner listens attentively. This listening creates an atmosphere wherein both partners feel valued and appreciated, thus strengthening the relationship.
Sexual intimacy provides veterans with a sense of safety and security. Veterans who have been deployed to dangerous regions may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety attacks, and nightmares triggered by flashbacks of past events during deployment. In such cases, sexually intimate partners can be a source of support and comfort. A study by Dr. David Doss found that veterans who engaged in regular sexual activity were less likely to exhibit symptoms associated with PTSD than those who did not engage in any form of physical contact. The findings suggest that sexual intimacy helps veterans deal with emotional distress caused by their experiences during military service.
Sexual intimacy can help veterans cope with the stress of operations through relaxation. Sexual activities stimulate the body's natural relaxation response, releasing endorphins and dopamine that reduce tension, stress, and pain. The hormones also improve mood and promote sleep quality, helping soldiers get better rest at night. Researchers have shown that soldiers exposed to combat situations are more prone to insomnia due to hyperarousal, which causes difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.
Couples who engage in frequent sex experience deeper levels of restorative sleep, leading to improved cognitive functioning during daytime hours.
Sexual intimacy plays an important role in mitigating the psychological impact of combat trauma and operational stress on veterans. It helps them deal with the challenges of returning home after serving in war zones and cope with the daily demands of life. Veterans should consider engaging in sexual intimacy with their spouses or partners as part of their recovery journey, especially if they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
What role does sexual intimacy play in mitigating the psychological impact of combat trauma and operational stress?
Sexual intimacy can have various effects on mitigating combat trauma and operational stress. It has been found that engaging in sexual activities can release endorphins which help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms associated with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or OSI (Operational Stress Injury).