There are many reasons why soldiers often struggle to express their feelings when they come back from war. For one, the military culture encourages toughness, selflessness, and stoicism, which can make it difficult for service members to show vulnerability or seek help.
Experiencing trauma and violence can cause PTSD symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and avoidant behaviors that interfere with healthy social interactions. This can lead to difficulties communicating needs and desires with loved ones. Many veterans also find themselves struggling with depression, substance abuse, marital problems, and suicidal thoughts after returning home. These issues can be exacerbated by cultural stigma around mental health treatment, making it even more challenging to access support.
Some soldiers may have difficulty trusting others due to betrayal, disillusionment, or mistrust instilled during their time in combat.
The process of learning how to communicate emotional needs is an ongoing journey for many veterans. It requires acknowledging your own emotions, building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, seeking out professional help if necessary, and practicing new communication skills. One common approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Another popular technique is mindfulness meditation, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgment and respond appropriately. Some vets turn to artistic expression like writing, painting, or music as a way to express themselves and connect with others.
The key is to stay open and honest about what you're feeling, both with yourself and those you care about. By taking small steps every day towards self-awareness and authenticity, soldiers can begin to build stronger, healthier relationships that meet their unique needs. Remember: vulnerability isn't weakness; it's strength.
How do soldiers learn to articulate emotional needs after years of suppressing them?
Soldiers are trained to control their emotions during combat situations because displaying fear or any other emotion could compromise the mission and endanger their lives as well as those of their comrades. After returning from war, however, they may struggle to express feelings that were previously suppressed while on duty. This can lead to difficulties with communication, trust issues in relationships, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).