Research indicates that many military couples experience changes in their relationship after deployment due to PTSD symptoms and behavioral health problems. These changes can cause emotional distance between partners, which can negatively impact intimacy and sexual functioning.
Several studies suggest that these negative effects may be reversible through effective treatment for PTSD. This means that couples who are experiencing such challenges may improve their relational narratives and intimacy through proper care and support. Let's explore how this happens.
Couple's Relationship Challenges Caused By Trauma
Traumatic experiences during deployment can cause distress and disconnect from oneself, others, and the world around them. As such, those with PTSD often have difficulty connecting emotionally and sexually, leading to tension within the couple.
Veterans might feel detached from their partner or even withdraw completely when they need emotional support. They may also avoid physical touch or become agitated or irritable during intimate encounters. The stress of dealing with trauma can make it difficult for both partners to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts, further straining the relationship.
Intimacy and Sexual Functioning Issues
Intimacy involves emotional closeness and connection to one another. It requires trust, vulnerability, and a sense of security. When veterans struggle with PTSD symptoms, they may find it hard to share their feelings and experiences with their partner. This lack of openness can create barriers to intimacy and lead to emotional isolation. Similarly, trauma-related anxiety can prevent veterans from engaging in sexual activities due to fear or discomfort. This can harm sexual functioning, as sexuality is an integral part of intimacy.
Effective Treatment Options
Effective treatment options exist that can help couples reconstruct their relational narratives and enhance intimacy and sexual functioning. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches coping strategies for managing PTSD symptoms; couples therapy; and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT helps veterans identify negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves and their relationships and replace them with more realistic ones. Couples therapy encourages communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and conflict resolution. Medications can reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms and improve mood regulation.
Reconstructing Relational Narratives
Reconstruction of relational narratives involves creating new stories about the relationship based on shared values, goals, and expectations.
Partners might develop a shared narrative around recovery and resilience after trauma. They could also focus on building trust and reconnecting emotionally through healthy communication practices. It's important to acknowledge past hurts and work towards healing and forgiveness.
This process involves restoring intimacy by exploring each other's needs and desires within the context of the relationship.
Improving Sexual Functioning
Improving sexual functioning requires addressing underlying psychological issues such as anxiety or depression. Veterans may need time to explore their feelings and gradually build up confidence in themselves and their partner. This can involve sensate focusing exercises that promote mindfulness during physical contact without pressure for intercourse. Partners should be patient and supportive throughout this process. With effective treatment and effort, couples can rediscover mutually satisfying sexual experiences that enhance emotional closeness.
How do couples reconstruct intimacy and relational narratives when trauma alters veterans' affective and sexual responsiveness?
Reconstruction of intimacy and relational narratives can be challenging for military couples who have experienced traumatic events together due to altered affective and sexual responsiveness. Trauma may lead to changes in emotional regulation, communication styles, and expectations of intimacy that make it difficult to connect emotionally and physically with one's partner.