Veterans returning from military service often experience difficulties rebuilding their sense of trust, intimacy, and sexual confidence. Combat trauma can have lasting effects that may impact these areas of life for years or even decades after they return home. It is important for veterans to understand how they can work toward healing and regaining this part of themselves. One strategy for rebuilding trust is to be patient with oneself and others. Veterans need to recognize that it will take time to build up trust again, both with their partners and with themselves. This means allowing oneself to feel vulnerable and to open up gradually, rather than expecting everything to happen immediately. Another strategy is to practice active listening. Active listening involves paying attention to what one's partner is saying and responding with empathy and understanding. It also includes asking follow-up questions and expressing interest in the other person's perspective. This helps to create an environment where communication is clear and constructive.
Engaging in physical touch can help to establish a foundation of trust and intimacy. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing are all ways to show affection without being overwhelming or intrusive. Sexual confidence can be regained through self-exploration and exploring new activities. Veterans should experiment with different types of touch and stimulation, whether alone or with a partner. Trying new positions, toys, and fantasies can help to break out of old patterns and create excitement and novelty. Communication is key throughout this process, as well. Talking about desires, boundaries, and expectations can help to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and satisfied.
Seeking professional support can be helpful. Therapy, counseling, or sex therapy can provide a safe space to explore these issues and receive guidance on how to overcome them. With patience, compassion, and effort, veterans can work toward rebuilding trust, intimacy, and sexual confidence after combat trauma.
What strategies enable veterans to rebuild trust, intimacy, and sexual confidence after combat trauma?
Reconstructing one's life after traumatic experiences such as combat can be challenging for many reasons, including fear of loss of physical safety, anxiety about interpersonal relationships, and difficulties with intimacy, trust, and sexual confidence. Veterans often experience an array of symptoms related to trauma exposure that may require treatment by professional therapists, counselors, and other support providers.