After returning from deployment, many soldiers experience significant changes in their emotional and psychological well-being due to various factors, including exposure to trauma, stressful experiences, and shifts in their personal identity. These changes can also lead to significant changes in their relationship with their partner. Partners who notice these changes may struggle to understand how their loved ones are feeling and react accordingly.
Changes in soldiers' values and priorities can be particularly difficult for partners to process emotionally. Soldiers may suddenly become more reserved, less communicative, or emotionally distant, which can leave partners feeling confused, hurt, and even rejected. Partners may wonder if they have done something wrong or if there is something wrong with themselves that has caused their soldier to change. They may feel anxious, guilty, or frustrated as they try to navigate this new dynamic.
Understanding where their soldier is coming from and why they may be acting differently can help partners emotionally process the situation. It is important for partners to remember that changes in behavior after deployment are often temporary and can be attributed to adjustment issues rather than deliberate choices. Understanding the reasons behind the behavior can help partners feel more secure and supportive of their soldier during this time.
It is also crucial for partners to acknowledge their own feelings and needs during this time. Changes in a soldier's behavior can be challenging, but it is essential not to take them personally. Instead, partners should focus on being compassionate and patient while supporting their soldier through the transition back into civilian life. This means listening actively without judgment, offering emotional support when needed, and respecting boundaries set by the soldier.
Partners should seek professional help if they need additional support navigating the emotional fallout of their soldier's return. Trained professionals can provide guidance, resources, and tools for coping with the stress and anxiety associated with these changes. Seeking help early can prevent long-term damage to the relationship and ensure that both parties receive the care and attention they need.
How do partners emotionally process the discovery of changes in soldiers' values or priorities after deployment?
Partners may experience various emotions when they discover that their soldier has undergone significant changes in values or priorities following deployment. These emotions can include confusion, anger, sadness, resentment, guilt, frustration, betrayal, and fear. Partners may feel as if they have lost a part of themselves or that they cannot understand what has happened to their relationship. They may also worry about the future of their relationship and whether it will ever be the same again.