Can sexual intimacy alleviate symptoms of emotional fatigue, depression, or post-traumatic stress in soldiers?
Sexual intimacy can be defined as a physical and/or psychological connection between individuals through mutual agreement to share their body's energy. It involves touching, feeling, and sensation; but also verbal communication, nonverbal language, and conscious thought. Sexuality is an innate human need, and it comes from a biological drive for reproduction, which is essential for survival.
It is much more than just the act of procreation - it is a deeply personal and unique experience that requires trust, vulnerability, and respect. In this context, it means exploring your own body and another person's with intention and care, without judgment or shame. Intimacy refers to the closeness you build with someone else when sharing something private and special. Thus, sexual intimacy implies the combination of all these factors to create a meaningful, fulfilling interaction.
In the world of military personnel, intimate relationships are often seen as taboo due to strict codes of conduct and cultural norms about masculinity.
Research suggests that sex can improve mental health outcomes such as reducing anxiety, enhancing mood and self-esteem, decreasing loneliness, and relieving stress. This is especially true for those who have experienced trauma or combat situations where they may feel isolated, guilty, or helpless.
A study found that married veterans showed less depressive symptoms and improved cognitive function after engaging in sexual activity compared to those who did not.
Sex releases endorphins in the brain that promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation, which helps lower cortisol levels linked to stress.
Emotional fatigue involves feeling drained emotionally over time due to excessive demands on one's mental energy. It can manifest physically through tiredness, irritability, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, etc., but also psychologically by causing low morale and dissatisfaction. Soldiers exposed to prolonged physical and emotional strain often experience this phenomenon while serving abroad or back home from deployment. Sexual intimacy has been shown to provide relief from fatigue by releasing tension built up during periods of high arousal (e.g., combat) or boredom (e.g., waiting). It can also foster closeness with partners and create a sense of belonging. Thus, it can be an effective coping strategy for individuals struggling with exhaustion, even if it does not cure it completely.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts about traumatic events accompanied by hyperarousal, avoidance, or numbing behaviors - all leading to anxiety, anger, depression, or guilt. Research suggests that sexual activity may help alleviate these symptoms because it encourages communication between partners, promotes trust and safety, reduces fear/anxiety responses, increases serotonin production, boosts self-esteem, and enhances overall wellbeing.
Veterans who have experienced severe abuse or trauma might find it difficult or impossible to engage in such activities without therapy or medication first.
Sex can be beneficial for soldiers dealing with mental health issues due to its ability to relieve feelings of loneliness, isolation, shame, pain, or guilt; however, there are many factors at play that influence whether someone will seek out this form of healing. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable talking openly about their experiences while others may prioritize other strategies like exercise, meditation, or medication over intimacy.
Understanding one's needs and boundaries is crucial when exploring the benefits of sex as part of treatment plans.
Can sexual intimacy alleviate symptoms of emotional fatigue, depression, or post-traumatic stress in soldiers?
The effects of sexual intimacy on soldiers vary depending on their individual experiences, but research has shown that it can help alleviate certain symptoms associated with emotional fatigue, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to studies, sexual intimacy releases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone” because it promotes bonding between individuals.