Sustaining Relational Engagement in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When someone experiences trauma during their military service, they may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts. These are some of the common signs that indicate the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have a significant impact on both personal and professional life. PTSD can also affect interpersonal relationships, especially romantic ones. Soldiers who suffer from this condition often exhibit fluctuations in openness and withdrawal, making it challenging for partners to sustain relational engagement.
There are ways to overcome these obstacles.
Understanding PTSD Symptoms
The most effective way to sustain relational engagement when soldiers exhibit fluctuating openness or withdrawal due to PTSD is to understand the nature of the condition. PTSD is a mental health disorder characterized by exposure to a terrifying event that leads to feelings of fear, helplessness, horror, and powerlessness. The symptoms of PTSD usually appear within three months after the incident but can sometimes manifest years later. There is no single cause of PTSD, but researchers believe genetic, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in its development. Some people develop PTSD after experiencing a severe car accident, natural disaster, sexual assault, combat trauma, childhood abuse, or other traumatic events.
Communication Tips for Partners
To sustain relational engagement with their soldier partner, partners need to practice good communication skills. They should listen actively, ask open-ended questions, avoid blaming, express empathy and compassion, validate feelings, and show support without trying to "fix" the problem. It's crucial to be patient and understanding because the healing process takes time. In addition, partners should not take things personally; instead, they should focus on supporting their soldier through this difficult time. Effective communication includes creating a safe space where both parties feel comfortable sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Maintaining Relational Boundaries
Partners should maintain healthy boundaries to sustain relational engagement during this challenging time. This means setting clear expectations, respecting each other's needs and desires, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
If a soldier becomes distant or withdraws from intimacy, the partner should communicate their needs clearly and assertively while also recognizing that it may be due to PTSD rather than personal choice. By doing so, the partner can establish mutual respect and trust, which are essential components of any relationship.
Utilizing Professional Support
While partners may provide emotional support, they should not try to diagnose or treat their soldier's condition. Instead, they should encourage them to seek professional help, such as counseling or therapy. These services offer an objective perspective on the situation and can help soldiers develop coping mechanisms to manage symptoms. Partners should attend these sessions together to create a shared plan for managing PTSD symptoms and improving the quality of their relationship.
Remembering Self-Care
Partners need to practice self-care to sustain relational engagement when soldiers exhibit fluctuating openness or withdrawal. They should set aside time for themselves, connect with friends, pursue hobbies, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and get enough sleep. Taking care of oneself helps partners feel supported emotionally and physically and provides them with the energy needed to support their soldier through this difficult time.
Partners play a crucial role in helping their soldier overcome PTSD and maintain relational engagement. It requires patience, communication skills, boundary setting, professional support, and self-care. With effort and commitment, partners can continue to nurture their relationships despite the challenges posed by PTSD.
How do partners sustain relational engagement when soldiers exhibit fluctuating openness or withdrawal due to post-traumatic stress?
While it is important for partners of soldiers with PTSD to understand that their loved one's behavior may change from time to time, they can still maintain healthy levels of engagement by providing unconditional support and respect. This includes actively listening to their partner, acknowledging their feelings, and validating their experiences while also giving them space to process their thoughts and emotions privately.