There is significant evidence that some military service members experience physical and emotional changes during deployment that can impact their ability to maintain healthy sexual and relationship patterns after returning home. One study found that approximately one-third of male soldiers reported experiencing difficulties with intimacy and closeness during deployment (Van Der Mast et al., 2016). This may be due to several factors including increased stress levels, reduced social support, altered sleeping habits, and heightened risk for exposure to trauma or injury.
Female veterans often face unique challenges related to gender roles and expectations within their families and communities upon returning from deployment (Murray & Singer, 2015). It's important for both men and women who have experienced these kinds of disruptions to seek help from mental health professionals trained in working with trauma survivors as they begin reintegrating back into civilian life.
Sexual and Relational Adjustments After Trauma
After traumatic experiences, veterans may find it difficult to connect emotionally or physically with others due to feelings of shame or guilt associated with what they witnessed or participated in while serving.
A veteran who experienced combat trauma might avoid sex because he or she feels guilty about enjoying pleasure when surrounded by violence and death. Alternatively, a veteran may engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or promiscuity to cope with intense fear or anxiety. Both responses are normal ways of coping with extreme stress but can lead to long-term problems if left unaddressed.
Acknowledging Emotions
One way to address these issues is to acknowledge emotions and work through them in a safe, therapeutic environment. Therapists can help veterans process painful memories and explore the underlying reasons for their sexual or relational difficulties. This might involve talking about childhood trauma, past abuse, or other factors that could impact current patterns. They can also provide education on how different parts of the brain respond during times of stress and offer tools for regulating those areas through mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga (Davidsen & Ehlers, 2017). By learning to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment, people can cultivate more resilience and adaptability.
Setting Boundaries
Another key factor in healthy relationships is setting boundaries around one's physical and emotional needs. Veterans need to learn how to communicate clearly about what they want and don't want from partners, even if it means saying no or expressing anger sometimes. It may be helpful to practice assertiveness skills with a therapist so that they feel confident speaking up for themselves.
Couples counseling can address any power dynamics that have arisen since returning home - perhaps one person feels overly protective while the other struggles with trust issues. With time, open communication and mutual respect will become easier.
Identifying Coping Strategies
Traumatized veterans often use substances such as alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, which can lead to further problems down the line. Working with an addiction specialist can help break this cycle by providing support and accountability for sobriety goals. Alternatively, some find solace in activities like hiking or running outdoors which can release endorphins and promote wellbeing. Others might benefit from animal-assisted therapy involving horses or dogs who provide unconditional love without asking questions. Any coping strategy should be evaluated carefully for effectiveness; if something isn't working, it's important to try something else until finding something that works best for each individual.
Trauma can significantly impact sexuality and relationship patterns among military service members upon reintegration into civilian life. Recognizing these changes early on is crucial because they can cause long-term damage if left untreated. A variety of strategies exist for addressing them including acknowledging emotions through therapy, setting boundaries through communication, and identifying healthy coping mechanisms. By seeking professional assistance tailored specifically to their needs, individuals can begin healing processes that will allow them to experience lasting intimacy once again.
What psychological adjustments are necessary when trauma disrupts veterans' previously functional sexual or relational patterns?
Traumatic experiences can have an immense impact on one's life, including their intimate relationships. Veterans who experience trauma may struggle with changes in their sex drive, difficulty achieving orgasm, and experiencing pleasure during intercourse due to physical injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. These issues can result from various factors such as fear of being touched or vulnerability after combat.