Soldiers and their Partners Experiencing Secondary Trauma
Soldiers and their partners experience different levels of stress and anxiety when they are away from each other for extended periods of time due to military duty. As a result, they may be prone to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or experiencing secondary trauma. This can lead to relationship issues that must be addressed through communication and active engagement.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to maintaining relational engagement while coping with these challenges.
The main causes of PTSD include exposure to combat situations, witnessing violence or death, facing danger without protection, feeling helpless or hopeless, and feeling guilty about surviving. These experiences can affect both soldiers and their partners, leading to changes in behavior and feelings. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and avoidance behaviors. These symptoms can lead to relationship problems such as reduced intimacy, trust issues, jealousy, anger, and communication breakdowns.
To cope with PTSD and secondary trauma, soldiers and their partners need to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings and needs. They should establish clear boundaries around what is acceptable and what is not in terms of behavior and expectations. Active listening and empathic responses are also essential components of successful relationships.
Couples should seek professional help if necessary to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem.
There are several strategies that can help soldiers and their partners cope with secondary trauma and maintain relational engagement. One strategy involves building emotional resilience by cultivating positive relationships outside of the military context. This could involve joining a support group for veterans or seeking out counseling services that focus on managing stress and anxiety. Another strategy is developing healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness practices that promote relaxation and calmness.
Setting realistic goals and expectations for each other can help keep relationships on track and prevent frustration from escalating into arguments or conflicts.
Soldiers and their partners must work together to maintain relational engagement while coping with secondary trauma. By communicating effectively, seeking professional help when needed, and building emotional resilience through healthy habits, they can build strong and lasting relationships despite the challenges presented by extended separations due to military duty.
How do soldiers maintain relational engagement while coping with secondary trauma experienced by partners?
Relationships between military members and their significant others are often affected by the stressors of deployment and combat experiences. Research suggests that secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a common consequence of these events, which can manifest as changes in behavior, mood, cognition, and physical symptoms. STS may be associated with difficulties in interpersonal communication and intimacy, resulting in relationship distress and disconnection.