Deployment is an intense and stressful experience that can have lasting effects on individuals both physically and mentally. One of the most significant impacts of deployment is the way it affects intimate relationships. Deployments often lead to prolonged separation from loved ones, which can cause feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. This can make it difficult for service members to feel close and connected to their partners when they return home.
This is only one aspect of how deployments affect intimate relationships. The long-term psychological strain of deployment also has a profound effect on a service member's perception of emotional closeness.
When deployed, service members are constantly surrounded by people who are under immense pressure to perform well and adhere to strict regulations. They must be able to rely on their teammates to survive, and the stakes are high. In contrast, intimacy requires vulnerability, trust, and a willingness to share deep thoughts and feelings. When returning home, these differences in mindset can create tension and misunderstandings. Service members may struggle to open up emotionally or communicate effectively with their partners, leading to frustration and resentment.
Deployments can change a person's priorities and values. While away, they might focus on accomplishing their mission, protecting their comrades, and staying alive. These priorities can clash with those of their partner, who may value domesticity, stability, and routine. This can make it challenging for them to connect emotionally and build a shared life together.
This can erode the foundation of the relationship, making it difficult to reestablish trust and intimacy.
Service members often experience trauma while deployed that can impact their mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition that occurs after exposure to traumatic events, such as combat, sexual assault, or injury. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, and anxiety. PTSD can also cause individuals to feel detached from others, including their romantic partners. They may have difficulty connecting emotionally, feeling loved, and expressing affection.
In addition to PTSD, many service members experience other psychological issues related to deployment. Depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation are prevalent among those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. These conditions can also affect a person's ability to form close relationships and maintain emotional connection. They may withdraw from social situations, isolate themselves, or become angry or irritable when interacting with loved ones.
Despite these difficulties, it is possible for service members to overcome the challenges of deployments and develop strong, fulfilling intimate relationships.
It requires effort and patience. Service members should be open and honest about their experiences, needs, and struggles, and their partners should provide support and understanding. They may need to seek professional help to address underlying mental health issues or learn new communication skills to connect more effectively.
Deployments can significantly impact how service members perceive emotional closeness in intimate relationships. It takes time, effort, and commitment to navigate these challenges and rebuild trust and intimacy. But with hard work and dedication, couples can create lasting, loving bonds that transcend the stressors of military life.
How does the long-term psychological strain of deployment transform a service member's perception of what emotional closeness means in intimate relationships?
Research indicates that military deployments can result in significant changes in the way that individuals perceive and value emotional closeness in their intimate relationships. Studies have shown that individuals who have experienced multiple deployments may develop a heightened appreciation for physical proximity and face-to-face communication with their romantic partners due to extended periods of separation (Mullen et al. , 2017).