Shared trauma can be defined as an event that is experienced together with another person or group of people. It can involve physical harm, psychological distress, or both. In the military context, shared trauma may occur during combat operations or training exercises.
Soldiers who experience a life-threatening situation while serving in active duty may develop strong emotional bonds due to their mutual experience of danger and fear. This bond can last long after they have left the service. On the other hand, soldiers who experience traumatic events together but do not share similar beliefs about what happened may find it difficult to build trust and maintain healthy relationships.
I will examine how shared trauma affects emotional bonds among soldiers based on my own personal experiences and research. To begin with, I will define the term 'emotional bond' and explain why it is important for members of the armed forces to form such bonds. Then, I will discuss the different types of shared trauma that soldiers may encounter, including combat injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sexual assault.
I will offer some recommendations for fostering positive emotional connections despite the presence of traumatic memories.
Emotional Bonds Among Soldiers
In order to understand how shared trauma influences emotional bonds, it is necessary to first define what we mean by an 'emotional bond'. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an emotional bond is 'a feeling of closeness and attachment to someone.' In the military context, this definition applies to relationships between soldiers who work together closely over time. Emotional bonds are characterized by feelings of trust, loyalty, and affection. They are formed through shared experiences and close interactions. As a result, soldiers who form strong emotional bonds often feel comfortable sharing personal information and confiding in each other. These bonds can be especially important when soldiers must rely on one another during dangerous or stressful situations.
Types of Shared Trauma
There are many ways in which shared trauma can occur among soldiers. One way is through physical injury or death. When soldiers sustain injuries or lose their lives while serving, they experience a common traumatic event that brings them closer together. This type of shared trauma can help strengthen emotional bonds because it creates a sense of solidarity and mutual support. Another way is through PTSD. Soldiers who suffer from PTSD may find it difficult to cope with civilian life after leaving the service. This shared trauma can create a sense of isolation and alienation, leading to difficulties forming emotional bonds outside the military environment.
Sexual assault is also a form of shared trauma that can strain emotional bonds. Victims of sexual assault often feel shame and guilt, making it difficult for them to open up about their experiences to others. This can lead to feelings of distrust and disconnection within military units.
Fostering Positive Emotional Bonds Despite Shared Trauma
Despite the potential negative effects of shared trauma, there are some steps that soldiers can take to foster positive emotional bonds. First, they can seek professional treatment for any mental health issues related to their time in the military. Therapy and counseling can help soldiers process their traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies. Second, soldiers can participate in activities that promote camaraderie and teamwork. These might include group sports, outdoor adventures, or community service projects. Third, soldiers can establish clear boundaries around discussions of shared traumas. They should not pressure anyone to share information about their experiences without consent.
Soldiers can practice self-care by engaging in activities that reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. This might involve exercise, meditation, or spending time with family and friends.
Shared trauma can have both positive and negative impacts on emotional bonds among soldiers. It is important for soldiers to be aware of these effects and take steps to maintain healthy relationships despite the presence of traumatic memories. By seeking support, practicing self-care, and engaging in activities that promote camaraderie, soldiers can build strong and lasting connections with their fellow soldiers.
What role does shared trauma play in fostering or straining emotional bonds among soldiers?
The shared experience of traumatic events can have both positive and negative effects on the emotional bonds between soldiers. On one hand, it creates an intense bonding effect due to the shared experience, which can lead to increased trust, empathy, understanding, and camaraderie. This is because soldiers who share similar experiences are more likely to feel connected with each other and better able to relate to one another's emotions and struggles.