When veterans return from military service, they often face challenges adjusting to life outside of the armed forces. One of these challenges is reestablishing pre-service relational patterns that may have been disrupted during deployment. Returning soldiers must reconnect with family members, friends, and loved ones who have changed since their absence. This can be difficult for veterans who are used to close-knit communities and tight bonds within the military.
Returning soldiers may find it hard to relate to civilians who have little understanding of their experiences.
During deployment, servicemembers form strong bonds with fellow soldiers that can be difficult to replicate in civilian life. In the military, troops depend on each other for survival and often share dangerous situations together. These intense experiences create deep connections that can make it difficult to connect with people outside of the military. Veterans miss this sense of camaraderie when they leave the service and struggle to find new relationships that provide similar support.
Many veterans experience trauma during deployment that affects their emotional state. These issues can make it hard for them to open up to others about their feelings and form intimate connections.
Relationships between couples are also affected by military service. Deployment can put strain on marriages and other romantic partnerships, as spouses struggle to cope without their partner's physical presence. When soldiers come home, they may need time and space to readjust before fully engaging with their loved ones again. This can lead to misunderstandings and tension as both parties try to rebuild trust and intimacy. The stress of deployment can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can negatively impact relationships. PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares can make it hard for veterans to maintain healthy communication and connection with those around them.
Veterans returning from war must navigate complex family dynamics as well. Children and extended family members may have grown accustomed to different routines while the soldier was away. Parents, siblings, and grandparents may need extra attention and patience as the servicemember adjusts to civilian life.
Some families struggle to understand the changes in personality or behavior experienced by their veteran. They may feel like they no longer know their loved one and wonder how to relate to them now. This lack of understanding can create further distance between family members who already feel disconnected.
Returning soldiers may find it difficult to connect with civilians who do not share their experiences. Veterans often have a unique perspective on the world that is shaped by their service. They may have witnessed violence, seen atrocities, or participated in combat that most civilians cannot comprehend. It can be challenging for veterans to communicate these experiences to people unfamiliar with military culture. Civilians may also view veterans differently than those within the military, leading to miscommunications and misunderstanding.
To overcome these challenges, returning veterans should seek support from other former servicemembers and therapists trained in treating PTSD. Family members should be patient and open-minded during the reintegration process, recognizing that everyone needs time to adjust after deployment. Veterans can also work to build new relationships outside of the military through social groups, hobbies, or volunteering. By seeking out healthy connections and support networks, veterans can begin to establish new patterns of relationality in civilian life.
How does returning to civilian life challenge previously established relational patterns?
Returning to civilian life after serving in the military can be a significant adjustment for many veterans, particularly when it comes to their personal relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. The transition back into society may bring about new expectations, challenges, and responsibilities that can disrupt preexisting routines and habits.