Sexual intimacy can be an effective tool to help maintain mental health and emotional wellbeing during times of stress and separation caused by military deployments. Research has shown that regular sexual activity is linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes in general.
For those who are deployed away from their partners, sexual intimacy can also provide a sense of connection, comfort, and reassurance. It can serve as a way to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, improve self-esteem, and promote resilience.
Engaging in intimate activities such as kissing, cuddling, and mutual masturbation can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine which have been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, sex itself can act as a form of distraction and escape from negative thoughts or worries. This means that couples who remain sexually active while one partner is deployed can create a safe space for each other to relax and disconnect from daily stresses.
It's important to note that this type of psychological support should not be seen as a substitute for professional counseling or therapy. Deployment can often lead to more serious issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related injuries, which require specialized treatment.
Some individuals may find that they need additional support beyond what sexual intimacy alone can offer. Therefore, it's crucial to seek out resources such as family therapy, group therapy, individual counseling, and peer support groups if necessary.
Sexual intimacy can be an effective tool for managing the challenges associated with military deployments but should not be the only source of psychological support. By maintaining regular communication and connection through physical contact, couples can build resilience and strengthen their relationships during times of separation.
It is up to each individual to decide what works best for them and to prioritize their mental health accordingly.
Can sexual intimacy function as a form of informal psychological support during deployment?
While many people would assume that sexual intimacy may provide some sort of emotional relief during times of separation due to deployment, there is no scientific evidence suggesting this to be true. In fact, research shows that sexual intimacy can actually increase stress levels and lead to negative psychological consequences for individuals involved.