Reintroduction of Soldiers to Family Life after War
Many soldiers face difficulties adjusting back into civilian life following their time in combat, which can result in emotional instability and difficulties maintaining healthy relationships.
One study found that 12% of veterans had been diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within a year of returning from warfare, while another estimated that up to 40% of military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan may have experienced PTSD at some point during their deployment.
This article will discuss how partners can support veterans through these challenges by maintaining compassion and understanding during reintegration. It will provide strategies for managing fluctuating emotions, developing positive coping mechanisms, and fostering open communication to promote a stronger relationship bond.
It will offer insights from research on the impact of trauma on couples' intimacy and sex lives and tips for addressing sexual concerns.
How Partners Can Maintain Compassion During Reintegration
One of the most important steps towards supporting veterans is recognizing that their emotions are likely to be unpredictable and changing rapidly during the initial stages of reintegration. This can include feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, fear, and numbness, as well as irritability and outbursts of aggression. Veterans may also experience flashbacks or nightmares related to their experiences in combat. Understanding these symptoms and being patient with them is crucial to maintaining a compassionate and supportive environment for the partner.
It is essential for partners to remember that their loved ones may not always feel like themselves during this time. They may seem distant, withdrawn, or preoccupied. The partner should avoid making assumptions about what they might be thinking or feeling and instead create space for them to express themselves honestly without judgment. Active listening is another critical skill; asking questions, showing interest in their experiences, and validating their emotions can help veterans feel understood and supported.
Partners can also practice self-care during this difficult time by seeking support from friends, family members, therapists, or support groups. It is normal to struggle emotionally when your loved one is going through such intense challenges, so taking care of yourself will allow you to better support them.
Developing Positive Coping Mechanisms
While it's natural for veterans to experience fluctuations in mood and behavior after warfare, there are strategies they can use to manage these symptoms more effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective for managing PTSD symptoms by helping individuals identify negative thought patterns and reframe them in a more positive light. Participating in physical activity, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise, can also promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Partners play an important role in encouraging healthy coping mechanisms too. Rather than enabling unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use, the partner can encourage activities that promote self-care and positivity.
Going for walks together, cooking nutritious meals, engaging in creative hobbies, or practicing mindfulness exercises can provide opportunities for bonding while also promoting wellbeing.
Open Communication
Open communication between partners is essential to fostering trust and understanding. Veterans may find it challenging to open up about their experiences or struggles, especially if they feel ashamed or guilty about what happened during warfare.
By creating a safe space for discussion, the partner can demonstrate their willingness to listen and support without judgment. This approach helps build intimacy and connection in the relationship, which can improve overall mental health outcomes.
It is crucial for partners to avoid making assumptions or judgments when veterans share their experiences. Instead, active listening and validation of their feelings can help create a sense of safety and security in the relationship. The partner should avoid trying to "fix" their loved one's problems but instead offer empathy and understanding.
In addition to verbal communication, nonverbal cues like eye contact, touch, and body language can convey empathy and support. Partners can show physical affection through hugs, hand-holding, or simply being present physically during difficult moments. These small gestures can make a big difference in demonstrating care and compassion towards your loved one.
Impact on Intimacy and Sexuality
One common challenge faced by couples reintegrating after warfare is the impact of trauma on their sexual lives. Veterans may experience difficulties with arousal, desire, or satisfaction due to PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, and depression.
Sexual injuries sustained during combat may lead to physical limitations that affect performance. It is essential for partners to be patient and understanding during this time, focusing on connection and intimacy rather than performance.
Partners can communicate openly about sexual desires and preferences, encouraging experimentation within safe boundaries. They can also explore new ways to connect sexually, such as role-playing or sensory play, without placing pressure on their partner to perform in specific ways. This approach promotes intimacy and connection while reducing the focus on external appearances or outcomes.
If veterans are struggling with sexual concerns, they should seek medical attention from a healthcare professional who specializes in sexual health. This step can provide treatment options for erectile dysfunction, low libido, or other issues related to traumatic injury.
It's important to remember that healing from these wounds takes time and patience, so partners should not expect immediate results.
Maintaining compassion and support throughout the reintegration process is crucial for supporting veterans returning from warfare. By recognizing and validating their emotional fluctuations, developing positive coping mechanisms, fostering open communication, and promoting intimacy through nonverbal cues and sexual exploration, partners can help their loved ones find stability and comfort after trauma.
How do partners maintain compassion during reintegration when soldiers' emotional responses fluctuate rapidly?
During the reintegration process, partners of returning service members need to be empathetic and patient with their loved ones. They should understand that the soldier may experience mood swings, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, hypervigilance, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts related to combat trauma.