In today's world, it is common for both men and women to serve in combat roles in the military. While these jobs can be physically demanding, they also require emotional resilience.
When soldiers experience high-stress situations like deployment or combat, their emotions may change drastically. This can cause significant changes in their personal lives, including how they interact with their partners.
Partners of service members who have experienced trauma or extreme stress often find themselves adjusting to shifts in their partner's emotional responsiveness. In this article, we will discuss what those changes might look like and how partners can cope with them.
Changes in Emotional Responsiveness
When someone experiences trauma, their brain is wired to react differently than before. The amygdala, which controls fear and anxiety, becomes more active, causing people to become more reactive and sensitive to stimuli. They may startle easily and feel tense even during relaxed times. Some veterans may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects their ability to regulate emotions.
These changes can manifest in different ways depending on the person. Some may become irritable or angry quickly, while others may withdraw from social interactions altogether. They may not respond well to touch or affection or seem detached from the relationship. Partners need to be aware that their loved one's behavior may change suddenly without any warning.
Adjusting to New Behavior
When a soldier returns home after an extended period away from their partner, they must readjust to civilian life. This process involves learning new skills and coping mechanisms to handle daily stressors that were previously absent.
Some soldiers may struggle with crowds, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments. Their partner needs to understand these triggers and help them avoid situations that could trigger negative responses.
Partners should give their loved ones space when needed and be patient as they adjust to everyday life again.
Communication is key to navigating this transition successfully. Partners should ask questions about what their loved one is experiencing and allow them to express themselves freely. It is essential for both parties to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings and needs without judgment.
Partners must remember that it takes time for someone who has experienced trauma to heal emotionally. Patience and understanding are crucial in this process.
Resources for Partners
While it can be challenging for partners of service members to cope with their loved one's shifts in emotional responsiveness, there are resources available to help them through this process. Here are a few:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides support groups and educational materials for families dealing with mental illnesses like PTSD. They also offer online classes for family members.
- Veterans Affairs: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers counseling services for veterans and their families. These include marriage counseling, couples therapy, and individual therapy sessions.
- Military OneSource: This program connects military spouses with counselors and other resources. They offer confidential assistance for any issue affecting the military family.
Serving in the military can take an emotional toll on soldiers and their partners. Understanding how traumatic experiences change behavior and learning new coping mechanisms can help partners navigate these changes successfully. With patience, communication, and understanding, they can build a strong relationship despite the challenges they face together.
How do partners adjust to shifts in emotional responsiveness resulting from soldiers' experiences in high-stress operational environments?
During times of stress, partners may find it difficult to understand why their partner is not as emotionally available as they used to be. Soldiers who are away on deployment for long periods of time often experience intense emotions that can affect their ability to connect with loved ones upon return. This may lead to feelings of rejection, anger, frustration, and even resentment on the part of the partner, who is left feeling like their needs are being ignored.