Strategies to Maintain Trust When One Partner Experiences Moral Injury During Service
When one partner in a couple experiences moral injury during their military service, it can be difficult for the relationship to maintain trust.
There are several strategies that couples can implement to overcome this challenge and preserve their bond.
1. Communication: Open and honest communication is key to building and maintaining trust in any relationship, but it is especially crucial when dealing with the aftermath of moral injury. The injured partner should feel comfortable discussing their experiences without fear of judgment or criticism from their partner. This means actively listening and validating their feelings, while also being willing to share their own perspective and thoughts.
2. Empathy: Empathizing with your partner's struggles is another important strategy for building trust. Showing empathy involves putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand what they went through during their time in the military. It's not enough just to say "I know how you feel," but rather to truly try to imagine what they experienced and offer support and comfort accordingly.
3. Forgiveness: Couples may find themselves having disagreements and arguments as a result of moral injury, but forgiveness is essential for rebuilding trust. Both partners must learn to let go of past grievances and focus on moving forward together. This doesn't mean forgetting about the trauma entirely, but rather acknowledging its impact and working towards healing from it.
4. Self-care: Taking care of oneself is an important part of preserving trust in any relationship. When one partner feels overwhelmed by their emotions, it can be tempting to lash out at the other person.
Taking time for oneself to decompress and process their feelings can help prevent this from happening. This could involve activities like exercise, meditation, therapy, or simply spending time alone.
5. Acknowledgment: Recognizing that moral injury is real and valid is crucial for maintaining trust in a relationship. Both partners should acknowledge that the injured partner has been through something difficult and needs time and space to process their experiences. They should also show appreciation for their service and recognize the sacrifices they made.
6. Patience:
Couples need patience when dealing with moral injury. Healing takes time, and both partners need to allow each other the necessary time to work through their emotions and come to terms with the experience. It's easy to get frustrated or impatient when progress seems slow, but rushing the healing process can only lead to further harm.
By following these strategies, couples can work towards building trust after moral injury and preserve their bond despite the challenges they face.
What strategies help couples maintain trust when one partner experiences moral injury during service?
Strategies that can help couples maintain trust when one partner experiences moral injury during their military service include open communication, active listening, understanding, empathy, and support. It is important for both partners to be willing to discuss difficult topics related to the experience of moral injury without judgment, criticism, or blame. Additionally, it may be beneficial for the couple to seek professional counseling together to work through any underlying issues that could contribute to trust and intimacy problems.