Many people think that being deployed can change your life for good. That's true, but it can also affect you psychologically, which makes reconciling relational expectations difficult. After deployment, soldiers might feel they are no longer themselves due to different perceptions of their surroundings, mood swings, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, traumatic brain injuries, etc. Their cognitive and emotional processing has changed; they may find difficulty communicating feelings honestly and openly, connecting emotionally with others and sharing personal experiences.
Many veterans report that despite these difficulties, relationships with family members and significant others have improved after deployment because they learned how to communicate better during the experience.
Cognitive changes
Deployment experience can cause altered cognitive processing as the soldier is exposed to dangerous situations and trauma. This can lead to memory lapses, confusion, lack of concentration, and problems making decisions. Soldiers may find it hard to remember details or follow instructions, leading them to be more irritable and impatient. The environment during deployment can also impact cognition by exposure to loud noise, extreme weather conditions, or sleep deprivation.
Emotional changes
Soldiers often experience a range of emotions while deployed, from joy at surviving dangerous situations to sadness over lost comrades. They may feel guilty about leaving loved ones behind, experience flashbacks or nightmares related to combat trauma, and struggle with intense bouts of anger or fear. These feelings can make it challenging for them to express affection and care towards people back home, including their spouse/partner or children.
Reconciling relational expectations
Despite these obstacles, soldiers can still reconcile relational expectations with altered cognitive and emotional processing caused by deployment experiences by being patient and understanding with their partner's needs. Veterans should acknowledge their changed state of mind and communicate honestly about any concerns or issues arising from deployment. They must also work on rebuilding trust with their partner by showing them that they are still committed despite difficulties.
Reconciling relational expectations after deployment requires effort and time but can improve relationships between soldiers and their partners. With patience, understanding, and communication, veterans can overcome the challenges posed by altered cognitive and emotional processing caused by deployment experiences.
How do soldiers reconcile relational expectations with altered cognitive and emotional processing caused by deployment experiences?
The process of reintegrating into civilian life can be complicated for military veterans due to differences between their former lives in combat situations compared to the present day. Deployment is often characterized by heightened stress levels, lack of control over one's environment, and potential physical harm, which can lead to changes in how individuals perceive relationships after returning home.