The need for sexual expression is an integral part of human life, which often gets neglected when people are sent to combat zones where they have to spend extended periods away from their loved ones. For soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guards deployed to war zones for months or even years, sexual expression becomes crucial for maintaining psychological and emotional health. It helps them cope with stressful situations, recharge batteries, and build resilience. When soldiers face the possibility of death daily, it takes its toll on them physically and mentally, leading to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Sexual self-expression can be one of the ways to alleviate such symptoms.
Discussing this topic openly among military personnel is taboo in most cases. This leads to men and women repressing feelings of sexual desire, resulting in a negative impact on relationships when they return home. Let's explore how sexual expression supports resilience during prolonged deployments.
How sex supports resilience during deployments?
Sexual satisfaction is linked to increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for feelings of love, bonding, and attachment. During deployment, service members may find themselves in intense environments, surrounded by weapons, explosions, bloodshed, and dead bodies. Under these circumstances, they might feel detached from reality and experience a lack of empathy. They may view themselves as machines and lose touch with their emotions.
Through sex, they can release endorphins that make them feel pleasure, reducing stress and inducing calmness. In other words, having sex releases chemicals that help cope with trauma-related disorders like PTSD.
How intimacy strengthens resilience?
Intimate relationships are crucial for surviving combat zones. Apart from physical closeness, they also provide psychological comfort and companionship. When deployed people come back after months away from family and friends, they may find it difficult to connect emotionally or physically. Intimacy helps fill this void, making them feel loved and appreciated. Sexual self-expression reinforces the bond between partners and strengthens their commitment to each other. It promotes trust and open communication, allowing them to express needs and concerns without fear of judgement. Thus, it plays an essential role in rebuilding broken connections and enhancing resilience.
Sexuality in times of war
War affects the sexual lives of military personnel beyond physical expression.
Soldiers stationed in Afghanistan have reported high levels of HIV infection due to prostitution and unprotected sex. In addition, some women have been raped during deployment, leading to unwanted pregnancies and STDs. This shows how sexuality can be negatively affected by war, resulting in health problems and relationship issues later on.
Sexual self-expression is a critical aspect of maintaining resilience among service members deployed overseas. Through it, they can release stress hormones and experience emotional satisfaction. Also, it promotes positive relationships that keep them sane and healthy when returning home.
Discussing sexual desires remains taboo in most cases, leading to repression, which damages intimacy and mental health. To support our troops' well-being, we need to encourage open conversations about sexuality and provide adequate resources for safe and fulfilling experiences.
How does sexual self-expression support resilience during prolonged deployments?
Sexual self-expression supports resilience during prolonged deployments by providing an outlet for stress relief, promoting relaxation, and fostering intimacy with partners. According to research, sexual expression can be beneficial for both physical and mental health, as it decreases anxiety levels, improves mood, boosts immunity, and increases overall wellbeing.