Soldiers who suppress their identities to fit into military culture may experience negative consequences for their long-term psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This can lead to difficulty reintegrating back into civilian life after service.
Suppressing one's identity means that an individual refuses to acknowledge certain aspects of themselves that make them unique.
Some soldiers might hide their sexual orientation from colleagues, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. This can have serious consequences for their mental wellbeing. Depression is often linked to suppression of identity, as it involves a lack of self-acceptance and positive self-image. Anxiety disorders such as social phobia or generalized anxiety disorder can also result from constantly feeling like you need to hide your true self. Substance abuse is another common consequence of suppressed identity, especially if the soldier feels that they cannot cope with the pressure of living a double life.
The consequences of suppressed identity are far-reaching in terms of a soldier's long-term psychological health. Studies have shown that individuals who hide aspects of themselves are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who do not. PTSD is a condition whereby traumatic events continue to haunt an individual mentally, causing intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Soldiers who feel ashamed about their sexuality or gender identity may find it difficult to open up about their experiences, which can exacerbate symptoms. Likewise, individuals who feel isolated due to suppression may struggle to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.
In addition to mental health problems, suppressing identity can lead to physical health issues. Some studies suggest that LGBTQ+ service members who conceal their sexual orientation are more likely to experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, which can negatively impact their physical health. Suppressing one's identity can also cause chronic stress and tension, leading to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbances, and other conditions.
To address these concerns, military leaders should prioritize creating an inclusive environment for all soldiers. This includes promoting acceptance of different identities and providing support for soldiers struggling with suppression. It is crucial for commanders to recognize when a soldier is suffering from PTSD or other mental health issues related to identity suppression and offer appropriate treatment options.
The military should work to ensure that all soldiers receive proper training on how to handle conflicts that arise due to identity differences. By taking steps like these, we can help promote long-term psychological health in our troops.
What are the consequences of suppressed identity for long-term psychological health in soldiers?
In recent years, research has been conducted on the impact of suppressing one's true self while serving as a soldier. According to studies, soldiers who conceal their true identities in order to fit in with military culture may experience negative effects on their mental and physical wellbeing over time. These include stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).