After serving in the military for an extended period of time, veterans face challenges when it comes to establishing and maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy in their personal lives. This can be particularly difficult due to the traumatic experiences they have faced during their time in the military, which may have affected their ability to connect with others. Veterans may also struggle with feelings of isolation and disconnection from civilian life, making it more difficult to build meaningful relationships.
The unique nature of military service means that many veterans do not have experience navigating civilian social norms and expectations, further complicating their efforts to reconstruct intimacy after returning home. In this article, I will explore some of the ways that veterans can work towards rebuilding emotional and sexual intimacy, including through therapy, communication, and finding supportive communities.
Therapy
One way that veterans can begin to rebuild emotional and sexual intimacy is by seeking out professional help. Trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, CBT, or DBT are particularly effective in helping veterans process the trauma they experienced while in the military and understand its impact on their current relationships. These therapies often include techniques such as guided imagery, eye movement desensitization, and exposure exercises that can help veterans confront their fears and anxieties related to intimacy. By working through these issues in a safe and supportive environment, veterans can begin to feel more comfortable opening up to partners and forming closer connections.
Communication
Another important aspect of reconstructing intimacy is communication. Veterans should be honest about their needs and boundaries with their partners and communicate openly about any challenges they face. This can involve discussions around topics such as sex, trust, and vulnerability.
Veterans may need time and space to establish trust before engaging in physical intimacy, or may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame surrounding their experiences during war. It is crucial for both partners to be patient and understanding throughout this process, and to acknowledge that it may take time for veterans to fully recover from their past traumas.
Supportive Communities
Finding supportive communities can also be an important part of rebuilding emotional and sexual intimacy after military service. Many organizations exist specifically to provide resources and support for veterans and their families, including the VA's Vet Centers and private groups like Team Red, White & Blue. These groups offer opportunities for socializing, networking, and building community among individuals who have shared similar experiences.
Many online forums and discussion boards are available for veterans to connect with one another and share advice on navigating civilian life. By participating in these types of communities, veterans can build confidence and self-esteem, which can translate into stronger personal relationships.
While reconstructing emotional and sexual intimacy after extended military service can be a difficult task, there are several strategies that can help veterans achieve success. Through therapy, communication, and finding supportive communities, veterans can begin to heal from their past trauma and build meaningful connections with others.
How do veterans reconstruct emotional and sexual intimacy after extended military service?
After being discharged from active duty in the military, many veterans experience difficulties with establishing close personal relationships due to the traumatic experiences they have encountered during their deployment. While some may be able to maintain healthy bonds with family members, romantic partners, and friends without much difficulty, others may find it challenging to form deep connections with people around them.