How does shame and stigma related to trauma-induced sexual difficulties affect the willingness of military veterans to seek help for their problems?
Shame and stigma are negative emotions that can be triggered by various factors such as traumatic experiences. Traumatic events experienced by military veterans can have long-lasting effects that include sexual difficulties. This paper will explore how these feelings of shame and stigma may impact the veteran's willingness to communicate openly about their problems and seek assistance.
Shame is an uncomfortable feeling caused by something embarrassing or humiliating. It is often associated with fear, guilt, and self-blame. Shame can be internalized when someone feels guilty or ashamed of themselves due to others' perceptions or opinions of them. Stigma refers to attitudes towards people who suffer from certain conditions, usually in terms of social rejection.
In terms of sex and sexuality, shame and stigma may lead to a lack of communication between partners, which can further worsen the situation. Veterans may feel they cannot speak freely about their struggles with sexual intimacy because of perceived judgmental attitudes from society or even their partner. They might think it makes them less masculine or feminine if they talk about what goes on behind closed doors.
Veterans who experience sexual dysfunction after exposure to trauma may face additional shame and stigma from family members, friends, medical professionals, and even therapists. These individuals may suggest that the problem is not physical but rather psychological, leading to frustration and isolation. In addition to this, some clinicians may view the patient's inability to perform as a personal failure rather than a symptom of trauma.
A study published in 2019 found that 87% of female military veterans reported having experienced at least one traumatic event during service. Nearly half (46%) had difficulty achieving orgasm while nearly two-thirds (63%) reported low libido. The study also found that these problems were more prevalent among those who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To address such issues, many experts recommend seeking professional help through counseling or couples therapy, yet this approach could be challenging for veterans struggling with feelings of shame and stigma. Seeking treatment is often associated with weakness or vulnerability, which may prevent people from reaching out for assistance.
Another factor influencing communication is cultural norms and beliefs around sex.
Some cultures emphasize traditional gender roles that prohibit men from expressing emotions openly and encourage women to prioritize their partner's needs above their own. This can make it difficult for both partners to talk about intimacy struggles without feeling ashamed or guilty.
Shame and stigma related to trauma-induced sexual difficulties can have long-lasting effects on military veterans' willingness to seek help. They can lead to increased feelings of guilt, fear, and isolation, making it hard for them to communicate effectively with their partners or healthcare providers. Addressing these factors requires awareness of cultural attitudes towards sex and sensitivity to the unique experiences of veterans.
How do shame and stigma related to trauma-induced sexual difficulties shape the veteran's willingness to communicate openly?
"The effects of traumatic experiences on an individual can vary widely depending on many factors such as age at time of trauma, length of exposure, nature of the experience(s), and personal coping mechanisms. For some individuals, these experiences may manifest themselves physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally for years afterward, making it difficult to return to normalcy.