Many veterans struggle to find their place in society after returning home from war. They may have lost limbs or sustained serious injuries that affect their physical appearance. This can make it difficult for them to feel whole again, leading to emotional distress and isolation.
Research has shown that developing close relationships with others can be an effective way to counteract this feeling of loss. In particular, engaging in activities such as sharing personal stories, cuddling, kissing, making love, and exploring new types of touch can help create a sense of wholeness.
Intimacy allows individuals to share their experiences with someone who truly understands what they are going through.
A veteran with a missing limb might describe how they were injured in combat to their partner without fear of judgment. They can also talk about their struggles with mental health issues like PTSD or depression, which is important because many people do not understand these challenges. The act of listening to another person's story and offering supportive feedback creates a strong bond between partners that strengthens over time.
Veterans may find comfort in knowing that their partner will always stand by them no matter what happens in life.
Physical contact can be incredibly therapeutic for veterans struggling with disabilities caused by trauma or injury. Cuddling releases oxytocin - sometimes called the 'love hormone'- which helps reduce stress levels while increasing feelings of trust and attachment within the relationship. Kissing stimulates brain chemicals associated with pleasure and arousal, enhancing both moods during sex. Making love provides the opportunity for complete surrender, wherein each partner focuses solely on pleasing the other instead of worrying about performance or perfectionism. This gives both parties an intense rush of endorphins leading to increased feelings of well-being afterward.
Trying out different kinds of touch such as massage therapy or sensual exploration can increase communication skills between partners while providing relief from anxiety or pain related to injuries sustained in battle.
Intimacy plays a critical role in helping veterans reconstruct themselves following bodily changes caused by war service. By sharing stories, engaging in physical activities together, and communicating openly about their needs and wants within a loving environment, couples create a sense of wholeness that helps combat emotional distress brought on by traumatic experiences.
In what ways does intimacy help veterans reconstruct a sense of wholeness after bodily change?
Intimacy can be an essential tool for veterans who have undergone physical changes such as amputation, burns, or paralysis, to restore their feeling of completeness and well-being. The support provided by loved ones or friends during these challenges is crucial to foster an environment where individuals feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings about their injuries and limitations.