Soldiers face various challenges during their time in service, including deployments that can put strain on their relationships back home. Partners may develop secondary trauma or stress from worrying about their loved ones' safety, loneliness, and disruptions to daily routines. This can lead to negative impacts on their mental health, well-being, and ability to function. Soldiers must adapt to these changes while navigating their own emotions and needs. To effectively manage this situation, they need strong communication skills, patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends. They should also prioritize self-care and seek professional help if needed.
Families can benefit from education on military culture and resources available for them.
Secondary Trauma and Stress
Partners of soldiers who experience secondary trauma or stress due to military service may feel anxious, depressed, irritable, or isolated. They may have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, suffer from physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea, or withdraw socially. These effects can be long-lasting and require treatment to resolve. The stressors that cause secondary trauma include fear of injury or death, separation anxiety, financial worries, deployment-related logistics, and more.
Relational Adaptation
To navigate relational adaptation when partners experience secondary trauma or stress, soldiers must communicate openly and honestly with them about their feelings and experiences. This includes listening actively without judgement or interruption and providing reassurance and support. It's important to validate their concerns, acknowledge their emotional state, and offer practical solutions where possible. Soldiers should avoid minimizing or dismissing their partner's feelings, which can exacerbate the issue. Instead, focus on finding common ground and empathy, even in difficult situations.
Self-Care
Taking care of oneself is crucial for successful adaptability. Soldiers should prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and leisure activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment. This helps manage stress levels and maintain overall wellbeing, enabling them to approach challenges with clarity and resilience. Seeking professional help for mental health issues like PTSD or depression can also be beneficial. Family members can encourage this by offering to watch children, run errands, or provide childcare assistance.
Family Support
Families can play an essential role in supporting soldiers through these changes. They should educate themselves on military culture, including deployment schedules, communication methods, and potential risks. They should offer positive reinforcement for accomplishments and encouragement during struggles. Providing a safe, stable home environment can ease anxiety and boost morale. Avoid putting pressure on the soldier to be perfect or unrealistic expectations, which may lead to disappointment and frustration.
Navigating relational adaptation when partners experience secondary trauma or stress due to military service requires patience, understanding, and open communication. By taking care of themselves and seeking support from loved ones, soldiers can effectively handle the unique challenges they face. Families must understand military culture and offer practical assistance to alleviate burdens. With proper attention and effort, both parties can thrive and grow stronger together.
How do soldiers navigate relational adaptation when partners experience secondary trauma or stress due to military service?
Soldiers navigating relational adaptation with partners who experience secondary trauma or stress from their military service may encounter several challenges, including communication difficulties, changes in roles and responsibilities, and differences in emotional responses. Adapting to the changed relationship dynamic can be difficult for both parties involved, as they may struggle to find a balance between supporting each other while also maintaining their individual identities and needs.