Resources for Recovery: Intimacy and Health (For Providers)

The impact of injury on intimacy is an often neglected aspect of healthcare and one that is especially important in caring for our nation’s service members and families. Many service members returning from deployment experience what are referred to as “invisible injuries”. Invisible injuries include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), depression and anxiety that can result from combat exposure. Sometimes alcohol, tobacco and drug misuse, as well as impulsive and violent behavior can compound these conditions. All of these problems can compromise intimacy reducing one’s ability to enjoy pleasurable relationships and sexual activity.