Sexual challenges can be uniquely difficult for military spouses whose partners are away from home serving in dangerous or hostile locations. While distance is one factor that may cause tension in a relationship, it's often more than just physical separation that causes issues between couples. When service members return home after being deployed, they may have difficulty readjusting to civilian life and experiencing everyday stressors. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, frustration, confusion, loneliness, or resentment towards their partner.
These soldiers may struggle to cope with trauma experienced during deployment and find themselves unable to communicate effectively about what happened while they were gone.
This situation can create an emotional barrier between the couple that makes it hard to connect emotionally and sexually. It also takes time to regain trust and intimacy after a long absence, especially if there was infidelity or other betrayal involved during deployment. Service members who have been through combat may feel disconnected from their bodies and less interested in physical closeness as a result of PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety attacks, insomnia, agitation, irritability, depression, or substance abuse problems. Some service members may even experience sexual dysfunction due to medication side effects or hormone changes caused by combat exposure.
Military couples may struggle with communication, jealousy, mistrust, and other issues related to their deployment status. They might fear for each other's safety, worry about what's happening at home while they're away, and be concerned about how much information should be shared with one another. Military couples need to discuss any concerns before deployment begins so that they are both on the same page regarding expectations around contact frequency and type (texts vs phone calls vs letters) as well as topics discussed during conversations. Couples should also agree on ways to keep up regular contact while apart such as video chats or weekly Skype dates.
Despite these challenges, military spouses must continue to prioritize their relationship by making time for intimate moments together when possible—even if it means planning ahead or setting boundaries around technology use. This can help prevent resentment or feelings of neglect which can damage relationships over time.
Seeking professional counseling services can give both partners an outlet where they can express themselves freely without judgment or shame while learning healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stressors associated with deployment.
What sexual challenges are unique to couples with a partner deployed in high-risk environments?
When a couple faces long periods of separation due to deployment in high-risk environments, it can cause many changes in their relationship that may lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, resentment, and frustration. These problems are compounded by the stress of being separated from loved ones during times of war or other life-threatening situations, as well as the potential for physical injury or death.