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RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS 1

Veterans on taking steps to improve relationships

The experiences of military life can affect Veterans in ways that may impact their relationships. In this video, Veterans talk about working through problems with their friends and loved ones and finding solutions that benefit everyone.

What can be considered relationship problems?

Have you had trouble lately getting along with people close to you? Or maybe your relationship with your family hasn’t been as good lately as it used to be. Perhaps military life or deployment has strained your relationships or made it challenging to take care of the people who depend on you. Maybe it’s difficult to talk or make decisions with your family without getting into arguments, or you feel disconnected from the important people in your life.

Many of these problems are common to everyone at some point in life. But others are unique to situations that Veterans and their loved ones experience.

What can lead to relationship problems?

Problems like stress, posttraumatic stress, health concerns, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feeling out of place or disconnected, or difficulties with memory may interfere with strong relationships. Family members and friends may not understand these problems very well, including how they can affect relationships. Veterans who have experienced traumatic events such as combat or sexual assaults often find it especially difficult to talk to their loved ones.

Military training rewards self-reliance, so your first instinct when facing any problem may be to withdraw or isolate from others instead of sharing what you are going through. It can also feel like you are protecting your loved ones by not sharing information. But instead, it can cause you and your family members to feel disconnected or distant.

“Even though I tried hard to care about certain things again, especially the issues my wife and I were having, at the end of the day I was still numb to a lot of it. Many of my problems at home seemed to pale in comparison to the things I had to overcome during my deployment.”

Relationship issues can make it difficult to enjoy life: You may feel as if no one understands you, and as a result, you may lash out or pull away from the people in your life.

Sometimes relationship problems involve emotional or physical abuse. Behaviors that are fear-inducing, controlling, demeaning, intimidating, or physically or emotionally abusive or violent are signs of an abusive relationship. Whether you are on the receiving end of these behaviors or your behavior is what’s harmful or scary to others, it’s essential to find support. Family members, friends, or a professional — such as a doctor or counselor — can help you learn healthier ways of relating that do not bring harm to others.

What are signs that I should reach out for support?

You may want to reach out for help if you are experiencing any of the following over a long period of time, or if others have pointed these out to you:

If I’m experiencing relationship problems, what can I do about it right away?

Many Veterans have overcome relationship problems that arose after time away from family or after traumatic events or stressful situations. Here are some tips they have found to be helpful:

  • Address the issue as soon as you realize it’s happening to prevent it from getting worse.
  • Make a “communication plan” for expressing your thoughts and feelings with those you care about by thinking about what you want to say and how you want to convey it. Writing these thoughts and feelings down can often help.
  • Listen to what others who care about you have to say.
  • Talk with others who may be experiencing similar issues.
  • Exercise regularly to help relieve stress and boost your mood.
  • Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
  • Make an effort to spend time with people you care about to relax or have fun.
  • Find something social to do, such as a hobby, a Veterans’ group, volunteer work, or becoming involved in a place of worship.
  • Balance alone time and “together” time.

“Just like we all say in the service, ‘It’s all about that person to your left and right.’ Those are the kinds of relationships that kept us strong — and kept us alive — while we were in, and it’s just as important to maintain that strength in our personal relationships now that we’re out.”

Talking to your family and friends about the difficulties in your relationships can be an important first step. While it can be difficult to share your feelings, it’s important to explain what you’re experiencing to them. They may get a better understanding of your circumstances and help you find support. You may also want to use support services to help you to better express yourself with your family and friends.

NEED HELP NOW?

Call The Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 And Press 1. Or Send A Text Message To The Veterans Crisis Line At 838255.  Free, confidential support 24 / 7 / 365.

 

 

TAKE ACTION!  

Give the San Jose Vet Center a call, at (408) 993-0729 to get back to your best life.

In Addition to the VA, here are some Community Adjustment Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CALL – EVEN ANONYMOUSLY

San Jose Vet Center is open:

7 AM to Midnight on weekdays

8 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends (including holidays)  

(408) 993-0729.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fight – For You And Your Family

Give the SJVC a call, at (408) 993-0729 to get back to your best life.

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