Can emotional closeness mitigate the development of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among active-duty service members?
It is a known fact that military personnel experience higher rates of mental health issues than their civilian counterparts. In fact, research has shown that up to 40% of veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and nearly half of those who serve in combat zones develop some form of clinically significant mental illness. Anxiety disorders and depression are also prevalent among active-duty service members, especially after returning home from deployment.
Recent studies suggest that there may be one factor that can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions: emotional closeness. This article will explore why emotional closeness is important for military personnel and how it can protect them from developing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Emotional closeness refers to the degree to which individuals feel connected to each other emotionally, whether through shared experiences or mutual support systems. It includes feeling understood and supported by others, having a sense of belonging, and being able to share feelings openly without fear of judgment. Emotional closeness can come from various sources, such as friends, family, romantic partners, or even pets. The importance of emotional closeness in the context of military life cannot be overstated. Service members often face high levels of stress and trauma during deployments, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Feelings of isolation have been linked to an increased risk of suicide among military personnel. Emotional closeness provides a sense of connection to others, helping to alleviate this feeling of isolation.
Emotional closeness has been found to play a key role in reducing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Studies have shown that individuals who experience more social support and greater levels of intimacy with their loved ones tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who do not. They also exhibit fewer signs of PTSD after experiencing traumatic events. In fact, some researchers suggest that emotional closeness may even help prevent the development of these conditions altogether. This suggests that maintaining strong relationships with family and friends is essential for the well-being of active-duty service members.
So how can active-duty service members cultivate emotional closeness? There are several strategies they can use. First, they can make sure to stay connected with loved ones back home, whether through phone calls, video chats, or letters. Second, they can join clubs or organizations that provide opportunities for socializing and making new connections. Third, they can seek out professional help if needed, such as counseling or therapy.
They can practice self-care, taking time to relax and recharge outside of work hours. These steps can all contribute to building stronger relationships with others and fostering emotional closeness.
Emotional closeness is critical for the mental health of active-duty service members. It helps mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation, reduces symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and may even prevent the onset of these conditions entirely. Service members should prioritize building close relationships with family and friends, joining clubs and organizations, seeking professional help when necessary, and practicing self-care. By doing so, they can ensure that they have a strong support system in place to help them cope with the challenges of military life and protect their mental health.
Can emotional closeness mitigate the development of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among active-duty service members?
According to a study by Lee et al. , researchers found that close relationships could be protective against mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among active-duty military personnel. In particular, they reported that social support through family relationships played an important role in reducing symptoms of these conditions among those who have experienced trauma during deployment.