Partners play a critical role in helping their veteran partner recover from trauma. They provide love, support, comfort, and understanding when their loved one struggles to cope with their experiences.
This can be a challenging task that comes with emotional costs. Partners must learn how to manage their own feelings while being there for their soldier, which requires patience and self-awareness. This can lead to strain on both individuals involved in the relationship.
One common challenge is the impact on communication between partners. The veteran may become distant or withdraw from the relationship due to flashbacks, nightmares, or depression. The partner may feel abandoned or unsupported during these times, leading to tension and resentment.
The veteran's behavior changes as they deal with PTSD or moral injury, including increased irritability and anger. This can create further distance between them.
To navigate this emotional strain, partners need to communicate openly about their needs and fears without blaming each other. They should establish ground rules for discussing difficult topics and find healthy ways to express themselves, such as through therapy or journaling. It's also crucial to show empathy toward each other and accept that it will take time to heal from traumatic events.
Another challenge is balancing time together as a couple versus supporting the soldier's recovery. Veterans often have intense symptoms that require attention, such as avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, or emotional numbing. As a result, partners may feel neglected or overwhelmed by responsibilities. To balance this, they should prioritize downtime together and make time for self-care to prevent burnout.
Seeking help outside of the relationship can be vital for success. Many resources are available for families affected by military service, including couples counseling, support groups, and online forums. These provide a safe space for discussion and connection with others who understand what you're going through.
Navigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or moral injury requires patience, communication, understanding, and outside support. Partners play an essential role in helping their loved one recover, but it comes at a cost that can impact both individuals in the relationship. By working together, partners can build resilience and strengthen their bond while supporting the veteran's healing journey.
How do partners navigate the emotional strain of supporting soldiers who struggle with post-traumatic stress or moral injury?
Researchers have found that navigating the emotional strain of supporting veterans with PTSD or MI can be challenging for partners. This is because partners may experience feelings of isolation, fear, anger, guilt, and other negative emotions as they try to understand their partner's symptoms and behavior while also managing their own needs and responsibilities.