Soldiers returning from combat experience a range of stressors that can affect their mental health, including feelings of guilt, fear, depression, anxiety, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These stressors can cause difficulties for both individual soldiers and their partners, who often feel helpless when they try to help but are unsure how to proceed. Partners must be able to understand these stressors and offer support accordingly to mitigate negative effects on their relationship. One way that partners can provide support is through active listening, which involves creating a safe space where soldiers can share their thoughts and emotions without judgment. By allowing soldiers to express themselves openly, partners can better understand their needs and work together to find solutions. Another form of support is providing practical assistance, such as cooking dinner or cleaning up after the soldier has returned home. This allows the soldier to relax and relieves some of the stress associated with daily tasks.
Partners should encourage positive coping strategies like exercise, therapy, or meditation to manage stress levels. Providing this type of support is essential to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship between partners during difficult times.
Active listening also includes offering validation by acknowledging and accepting the soldier's experiences. By validating their partner's experiences, partners show empathy and understanding, making it easier for them to open up about what they have experienced. When partners validate their partner's feelings, soldiers feel more supported, less isolated, and more secure in the relationship.
Partners can take steps to reduce stress triggers by avoiding topics related to deployment or combat if the soldier requests this. By doing so, soldiers may feel more comfortable opening up to their partner and sharing their experiences.
It is important not to force someone to talk if they do not want to, as this could lead to further isolation and distress.
Partners can also offer practical assistance to help soldiers cope with everyday life.
Preparing meals or completing household chores while the soldier reintegrates into civilian life can alleviate anxiety caused by unfamiliar surroundings. Partners can also provide emotional support by encouraging social activities outside of the home, which can be beneficial when returning from combat. These activities allow the soldier to connect with others who understand their experience and help process traumatic events that occurred while deployed. It is crucial for partners to recognize signs of PTSD and encourage professional treatment, such as therapy or medication, if necessary. Supportive partners are more likely to see positive outcomes in relationships after a deployment compared to those who do not receive this type of care.
Partners can promote positive coping strategies like exercise, meditation, or mindfulness practices to manage stress levels. These strategies are essential because deployments often disrupt daily routines and create additional pressures on both soldiers and their families. Physical activity has been shown to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, providing an instant mood boost. Meditation can also reduce feelings of anxiety and improve sleep quality, two factors linked to improved mental health. By using these tools, soldiers can better regulate their emotions and feel supported by their partner during difficult times.
How do partners support soldiers experiencing emotional confusion caused by unresolved deployment-related stressors?
Partners of military members who experience stress related to deployment can play a significant role in supporting their loved ones' mental health. First, they should be aware that it is normal for service members to struggle with the transition back into civilian life, as returning to daily routines after months or even years away from home can be challenging.