The human mind is capable of developing different ways to cope with stressful situations. These can vary from person to person depending on their background, upbringing, personality, and experiences.
Most people have some common methods for dealing with pressure. One way that people deal with high-pressure situations is through relational intimacy. Relational intimacy refers to the emotional connection between individuals in an interpersonal relationship. It involves trust, affection, understanding, communication, loyalty, and commitment. When soldiers experience stress during military service, they often turn to relational intimacy as a coping mechanism. This means that they rely on their partners to provide support, comfort, and validation. Soldiers may also engage in physical intimacy as a way to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
While this type of coping strategy can be effective in managing stress, it can also create challenges when they return home after deployment. The demands of combat training and life in the field require soldiers to suppress their emotions and feelings of empathy. They are taught to view themselves as invincible and powerful, which can make it difficult for them to express vulnerability or admit their needs. As a result, returning to civilian life can be difficult for soldiers who rely on relational intimacy as a coping mechanism. Their partners may feel overwhelmed by the sudden shift in behavior and struggle to understand why their loved one seems distant or closed off.
There are several strategies that soldiers can use to reconcile relational intimacy and personal coping mechanisms developed under high-stress conditions. Firstly, soldiers should communicate openly and honestly with their partners about what they experienced during deployment. This includes both the good and bad experiences, including any trauma or PTSD symptoms they may have suffered. Secondly, soldiers can practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help regulate their emotions and manage stress levels. Thirdly, soldiers can seek professional therapy or counseling to process their experiences and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
Soldiers should prioritize self-care, spending time alone to recharge and connect with themselves outside of their relationship.
How do soldiers reconcile relational intimacy with personal coping strategies developed under high-stress conditions?
Soldiers can develop strong bonds of friendship and loyalty with their comrades that they may have difficulty breaking even after leaving the military. This can make it challenging for them to establish new relationships outside of their unit when they return home. It is also common for soldiers to experience trauma during their service, which can affect their ability to trust others or feel comfortable in intimate situations.