What is trauma?
Trauma can be defined as an emotional response to a deeply distressing event or series of events that shakes one's sense of safety and security in the world. This can include experiences such as physical assault, natural disasters, accidents, warfare, death or loss of loved ones, and more. When people are exposed to traumatic situations, they may develop coping mechanisms such as numbing their emotions in order to cope with the pain and fear associated with these experiences.
How does trauma affect soldiers?
For soldiers who have experienced combat or other traumatic events during service, the effects of trauma can be particularly profound. They may experience symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and avoidance behaviors.
They may feel detached from others, have trouble regulating their emotions, and struggle to trust relationships. These symptoms can make it difficult for them to maintain intimacy with partners, especially if they were close before being deployed.
What are some common ways that soldiers deal with trauma-related issues?
One way that soldiers may deal with their trauma-related issues is by engaging in what is known as "emotional numbing." This involves trying to shut off feelings and sensations in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed or overpowered by negative emotions. This can manifest in different ways, such as self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, withdrawal, or distancing themselves emotionally from others.
Why do partners need to know about this phenomenon?
Partners need to understand the impact of trauma on their soldier's behavior so that they can better support them in maintaining healthy relationships. By understanding how their partner is processing their trauma and the challenges they face in dealing with it, partners can provide a safe space for communication, validation, and connection. It is important not to take these difficulties personally, but instead focus on supporting their loved one in getting the help they need to cope with their experiences.
How do partners maintain intimacy when soldiers experience lingering emotional numbness due to trauma-related coping mechanisms?
When partners face challenges such as lingering emotional numbness due to trauma-related coping mechanisms experienced by their military partner, it is crucial that they remain patient and understanding. The emotional numbness can be caused by various factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and survivor's guilt. These conditions may affect communication between partners, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.