How Trauma Changes Sensory Sensitivity and Emotional Receptivity
Veterans who have experienced combat or other forms of trauma may find that they are no longer able to enjoy certain activities or experiences that were previously pleasurable due to changes in their sensory sensitivity and emotional receptivity. This can include everything from simple pleasures like listening to music or going out to eat with friends, to more intense experiences such as sexual encounters. For some veterans, these changes in sensory sensitivity and emotional receptivity can be so severe that it is difficult for them to even leave their home.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders
One way that trauma can affect sensory processing is through what is known as a sensory processing disorder. This is when someone has difficulty interpreting sensory information coming into their body, leading to either hyper or hypo reactivity to stimuli.
If a person has hypersensitivity to sound, they might startle easily at loud noises and become overwhelmed by everyday sounds. This can make it difficult to participate in social situations or engage in activities where there is background noise. In terms of sex and intimacy, this could mean feeling uncomfortable with physical touch or being unable to focus on pleasure during sexual activity.
Navigating Intimacy After Trauma
For many veterans, navigating intimate relationships after experiencing trauma can be challenging. It's important for both partners to communicate openly about any changes in sensory sensitivity or emotional receptivity, and work together to find ways to still experience pleasure despite these challenges. Some strategies may include:
- Communication: Discussing how trauma has affected your sensory perceptions and needs in detail with your partner can help them better understand and support you. Be honest about your boundaries and needs, and work together to find alternative ways to enjoy pleasurable experiences.
- Self-care: Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is crucial for healing from trauma. Practicing self-compassion and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can interfere with pleasure and intimacy.
- Finding new sources of pleasure: While some things that were previously pleasurable may no longer feel enjoyable, try exploring new activities that bring you joy. This could include anything from trying a new food or music genre to taking up a hobby.
Finding Pleasure Without Sensory Stimulation
For those with hypersensitivity to sound, finding pleasure without loud stimuli can be difficult.
There are still plenty of options for enjoyment without auditory input.
Reading books or magazines out loud can provide an engaging way to pass the time. Mental games like crosswords or Sudoku can also be a pleasant way to challenge your brain without overwhelming your senses. If you're able to wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, this can help block out excessive sound and allow you to focus on other activities.
Receptivity to Touch After Trauma
In terms of touch, receptivity after trauma can often involve feeling either too sensitive or not enough. Those who have experienced trauma may become hypervigilant to any touch, leading to an aversion to physical contact. Others might crave touch but struggle to receive it because they are unable to process it properly. In these cases, working with a trained therapist can be helpful in learning how to regulate your body's response to touch. There are also various tools available such as weighted blankets or compression clothing that can aid in providing comfort and relaxation.
In what ways do veterans redefine pleasure when trauma alters their sensory sensitivity or emotional receptivity?
Referring to veterans who have experienced trauma, it has been observed that their perception of pleasure changes after such an event. They tend to become more sensitive to certain stimuli that were previously acceptable or enjoyed by them but are now associated with negative feelings, such as sounds that remind them of gunshots or explosions. Their emotional responses may also be heightened, making them more prone to fear and anxiety even during seemingly mundane situations.