During military deployments to conflict zones, soldiers may be required to suppress their emotions for the sake of survival, including repressing feelings related to romantic relationships.
Rebuilding relational competence can be challenging after returning home, especially if they have been trained to believe that such emotional suppression is essential for success in battle. This article explores strategies for reestablishing healthy relationships through therapy, social support networks, and self-reflection. It describes specific techniques and exercises that can help veterans overcome negative patterns and build stronger bonds with loved ones. The article provides practical advice on how to navigate emotional vulnerability without losing control or jeopardizing one's safety or well-being.
After months or years away from family members and friends, returning soldiers often find it difficult to communicate openly about their experiences and express intimate needs. They may feel distant from those closest to them due to the trauma they experienced during deployment. To regain closeness and trust, they must learn to recognize and process their emotions rather than bottling them up, which can lead to further harm. This requires identifying triggers, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional assistance when necessary. Couples counseling, group therapy, and individual sessions can provide a safe space to explore these issues and develop healthier communication skills.
Joining support groups or connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of military life can offer valuable insights and support.
Veterans can strengthen their relationships by engaging in activities that promote emotional and physical connection, such as date nights or weekend getaways. This helps build a foundation of trust and intimacy that can weather future storms. Setting clear expectations and boundaries around communication, conflict resolution, and sexuality can also prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Self-care practices like exercise, meditation, and creative pursuits can improve overall mental and emotional health, making individuals more present and attentive partners. With patience and persistence, former service members can rebuild relational competence after the suppression of emotions during deployment.
While suppressing emotions may have been essential for survival during deployment, it can create long-term challenges at home.
There are effective strategies for restoring relational competency through therapy, social support networks, and self-reflection. By working on themselves and their relationships, veterans can overcome negative patterns and reconnect with loved ones in meaningful ways.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when emotional suppression was reinforced as a necessary survival strategy during deployment?
According to studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel, some soldiers may find it difficult to express their feelings after returning home from combat zones. This is due to their experiences of witnessing violence and horrors that are not typically seen in civilian life. During deployments, soldiers have been taught to suppress their emotions so they can focus on completing tasks, such as defending themselves and their units, even if these involve killing enemy fighters.