Experiences of exclusion in military service can have lasting impacts on an individual's mental health and social adjustment. These experiences can include discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other identity that is perceived to be different from the norm within the military community. Exclusive behaviors such as bullying, hazing, harassment, or microaggressions can cause feelings of isolation, fear, and shame, which can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and other mental health issues.
These experiences can create barriers to accessing support services, making it difficult for individuals to seek help when needed. This can lead to long-term effects on one's ability to form meaningful relationships and engage in society, causing difficulties in personal and professional life. To mitigate these effects, military leaders must prioritize inclusivity and address exclusive behavior through education and accountability measures.
Veterans should be encouraged to seek help for their mental health needs and offered resources that meet their unique needs.
Experiences of exclusion in military service
In the military, individuals may face exclusion due to factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other identity that is perceived to be different from the norm.
Women who serve in combat roles may experience sexism and objectification, while LGBTQ+ individuals may face homophobia and transphobia. Individuals with disabilities may struggle with accessibility issues, while those of certain religious beliefs may face discrimination based on their faith. These experiences can have a profound impact on an individual's mental health and social adjustment, leading to a range of negative outcomes.
Mental health impacts
Experiences of exclusion in military service can cause anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. These conditions are often linked to feelings of isolation, fear, and shame caused by exclusionary behaviors. In addition, individuals who feel marginalized within their community may avoid seeking support services, making it more difficult to address their mental health needs. This can lead to long-term effects on one's ability to form meaningful relationships and engage in society, causing difficulties in personal and professional life.
Social adjustment challenges
Experiences of exclusion in military service can also make it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into civilian life after leaving active duty. The transition back to society can be challenging for anyone, but for those who have experienced exclusivity, it can be particularly stressful. Veterans may find themselves struggling to connect with others due to their unique experiences and struggles with trust and intimacy. This can lead to social isolation, difficulty finding employment or housing, and other barriers to successful integration.
How do experiences of exclusion in military service affect long-term mental health and social adjustment?
The experience of exclusion can have various effects on an individual's mental health and social adjustment over time. It is known that feelings of rejection and isolation may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which in turn can contribute to the development of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems. The impact of these negative outcomes can be particularly severe for veterans who have already experienced trauma during their military service.