Prolonged deployment can have profound effects on individuals in all aspects of their lives, including personal relationships. This is especially true for those in same-sex relationships, who may face unique challenges related to social stigma and legal barriers that make it difficult to maintain closeness while apart. These challenges can impact emotional coping strategies, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
The following sections will explore how prolonged deployment affects the emotional coping strategies of service members in same-sex relationships.
Separation and distance can create feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be particularly intense when coupled with cultural norms that marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. The lack of physical contact and emotional support from one's partner during deployment can exacerbate these feelings. As a result, some service members may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or self-harm to cope with their emotions.
Communication between deployed partners becomes more important than ever due to geographical separation, but it can also be a source of anxiety and frustration. Deployed partners may feel disconnected and out of touch with their loved ones back home, leading them to question their relationship or seek reassurance through excessive phone calls or text messages. This type of behavior can be exhausting and unhealthy over time.
Financial difficulties may arise from deployment, which can add additional strain to an already fragile situation.
A single income earner may struggle to cover both deployment expenses and household bills, while those who rely on each other for financial stability may face difficulty adjusting without that support.
The unique nature of military culture can make it difficult for deployed personnel to open up about their personal lives, including their sexual orientation. This secrecy and fear of discrimination can lead to increased stress and anxiety, making it harder to build and maintain healthy connections with others in the unit.
Prolonged deployment has significant impacts on service members in same-sex relationships, and this article has explored how these challenges affect their emotional coping strategies. Understanding these issues is essential to improving mental health outcomes and supporting LGBTQ+ service members during deployments.
In what ways does prolonged deployment influence the emotional coping strategies of service members in same-sex relationships?
The emotional coping strategies of service members who are deployed for extended periods of time can be influenced by various factors, including their relationship status. Those who have partners that they consider essential to their mental well-being may find it more difficult to adjust to being away from them than those who do not. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression.