How can partners help their soldier lovers cope with PTSD or hyperarousal?
The partner can try to understand what the veteran has gone through during warfare. This will make it easier for both parties to communicate and relate well. They can show support for them by being there for them physically and emotionally. Partners can also talk about how they feel without expecting anything from their soldier lover.
The partner can participate in activities that interest them and avoid criticizing or judging their behavior.
Recommendations
1. Take care of your own needs - Don't forget yourself in all this! Remember that you are important too. You need to be healthy to take care of someone else. You should focus on maintaining good mental and physical health so that you can give back to others. Make time for self-care activities like exercising, meditating, or spending time with friends.
2. Communication is key - Being able to communicate openly with your soldier partner is crucial when dealing with trauma or stress. Talk about how you feel about their experiences and ask questions if you don't understand something. Be patient and understanding while listening to their answers. Avoid blaming, shaming, or making them feel guilty because of their past traumas.
3. Practice mindfulness together - Mindfulness practices like yoga, deep breathing exercises, or even just focusing on sensory stimuli can help reduce stress levels for both of you. It may also improve emotional regulation and reconnectivity within the relationship.
4. Create a safe space at home - Make sure your house feels like an oasis where your soldier can relax after a long day or week. This means eliminating clutter, minimizing distractions, and creating a peaceful atmosphere. You could decorate it with cozy blankets, dim lighting, or ambient music.
Provide healthy snacks and water for when they get hungry or thirsty during downtime.
5. Show appreciation - Let your soldier know that you appreciate their efforts in serving the country by thanking them regularly. Express gratitude for any accomplishments or small victories. Don't take their presence for granted but be grateful for everything they bring into your life. Say "thank you" often!
6. Supportive behaviors - Do little things to show support such as offering to cook meals, clean the house, run errands, or simply being there for them physically. Be available when needed and try not to overwhelm them with too much attention. If possible, give your partner some alone time every once in a while so they can reset and refocus themselves.
7. Stay connected - Stay in touch with each other even if one is deployed or working late hours. Keep up communication through calls, texts, emails, or video chats whenever possible. Try scheduling date nights together when possible so you can spend quality time without interruptions.
8. Seek professional help - It's important to seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma-related issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hyperarousal symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, etc. They will be able to diagnose accurately and recommend appropriate treatments based on your individual needs.
9. Have fun together - Go out on dates occasionally where both of you can have fun outside of home. Whether it's going to a movie theatre, exploring local attractions or hiking nearby trails, do something different every now and then that brings back happy memories. Don't forget about romance; small gestures make all the difference!
10. Manage expectations - Know what your partner is capable of doing after a long day at work before asking for anything from them. Avoid placing unrealistic demands on their shoulders by understanding that they may need extra rest time or space after returning home. Be patient and flexible with their needs to avoid frustration building up between you two.
How do partners maintain relational stability when soldiers' emotional responsiveness is affected by post-traumatic stress or hyperarousal?
Studies show that partners can help their military loved ones deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and manage their feelings of fear and arousal through active listening, validation, and empathy. They should create a safe space for communication, provide support during difficult moments, practice self-care, and seek professional help if needed.