The life of a soldier is full of challenges that are difficult for civilians to understand. One such challenge is the emotional distance they have from loved ones while deployed away from home for an extended time. This distance can cause psychological distress, especially when it comes to maintaining close relationships. It's essential for soldiers to find ways to cope with this distance without losing connection with those they care about most. Here are some strategies for managing this contradiction.
1) Connect through technology: Many soldiers stay connected with their partners via email, video chat, and text messages while deployed. This allows them to maintain regular communication even if they aren't physically together.
Apps like Facetime and WhatsApp make connecting more accessible than ever before.
These forms of communication may not be enough to bridge the gap between being apart for an extended period.
2) Be honest about limitations: Soldiers must communicate openly with their partner about what they can and cannot do during deployment.
Telling your partner you won't have access to Wi-Fi often or that you will be unable to respond quickly to texts or emails helps set realistic expectations. Being upfront about these constraints helps avoid misunderstandings and disappointments later.
3) Find support: Support groups and therapy sessions help soldiers manage the stress of deployment by providing a safe space to discuss feelings and experiences. It's essential to seek professional help if needed; many organizations offer resources specifically designed for military families.
4) Seek physical intimacy: Physical touch has been shown to reduce stress levels and boost mood. Finding creative ways to connect physically, such as holding hands or cuddling, can provide comfort even when miles away. If possible, scheduling sexual encounters in advance can also help keep the relationship healthy.
It's crucial not to pressure your partner into any activity they don't feel comfortable with.
5) Plan future plans: Looking forward to future events together can give both parties something tangible to hold onto during separation periods. These could include vacationing after deployment, celebrating special occasions (e.g., birthdays), or planning a homecoming party. This gives something positive to anticipate and look forward to rather than simply waiting out the days until reunion.
6) Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing can calm anxiety and reduce stress associated with deployment. Incorporating these practices into daily life can create more stability and improve emotional well-being, making it easier to cope with separation.
Remember that every soldier experiences deployment differently, so it may take time to find what works best for you. It's okay to try different strategies until you find one that helps alleviate emotional distress.
By utilizing these strategies, soldiers can manage the psychological contradiction of feeling deeply attached yet emotionally unreachable due to trauma while deployed. With open communication, support systems, and self-care practices, military families can maintain strong connections despite physical distance.
How do soldiers manage the psychological contradiction of feeling deeply attached to their partner yet emotionally unreachable due to trauma?
Soldiers often experience significant challenges with maintaining healthy relationships after returning home from combat. This is due to many factors including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can make it difficult for them to form strong connections with others. Additionally, military culture encourages self-sufficiency, which may lead veterans to suppress their feelings and avoid seeking help even when they are struggling emotionally.