Reinterpreting Emotional Closeness After Deployment
The return from military service to civilian life can be a challenging time for many veterans. Adjustment to family and work life is often accompanied by psychological distress, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, relationship problems, and more. During deployment, individuals form strong emotional bonds with their comrades that are essential for survival in dangerous situations.
These close connections may become uncomfortable once back home because they conflict with societal expectations of appropriate closeness. This reinterpretation process involves evaluating the emotional meaning of past experiences in light of current values and beliefs, which can affect how individuals experience intimacy with loved ones.
Some soldiers develop intense attachments to fellow soldiers during combat missions that involve high levels of trust and commitment to mutual safety. Upon returning to civilian life, they may find it difficult to replicate these feelings with spouses or children who do not share the same sense of danger and urgency. The transition from military to civilian life can also bring about changes in physical appearance, social roles, and responsibilities, making it hard to maintain the level of connection experienced while deployed.
Military culture emphasizes self-reliance and independence, which may lead to misunderstandings when trying to express vulnerability or seek support at home. All of these factors contribute to the challenge of adjusting to a new way of relating to others after deployment.
To cope with this shift in emotional closeness, veterans must learn to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings without expecting their partners to share the same experiences. They may need to redefine what constitutes an emotionally satisfying relationship, such as focusing on quality time spent together instead of shared trauma.
A soldier who had a strong bond with their platoon might prioritize family activities like playing board games or taking walks over talking about battlefield stories. By recognizing and accepting the limitations of past relationships, they can create more fulfilling connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
The reinterpretation process of emotional closeness is complex and requires effort. Veterans should be encouraged to seek professional help if needed to manage their psychological distress and work towards healthy relationships at home. It takes time for them to adapt to civilian life but is essential to their overall well-being and that of those around them. With patience, communication, and willingness to explore new ways of connecting, individuals can find fulfillment in their personal lives despite the challenges posed by war.
How do individuals reinterpret emotional closeness after returning from deployment to civilian life?
According to researchers, people who have been deployed on military missions often find it difficult to readjust to normal life back home as they have undergone significant changes both mentally and emotionally during their time away from family members and friends. Many of them struggle with post-deployment depression or anxiety that can affect the way they interact with others.