Soldiers experience many types of emotional losses during their time in service, including those related to family members or friends who are deployed alongside them or left behind. While serving in combat zones or high-stress environments, it is essential for soldiers to stay focused on the mission and remain mentally and physically prepared to protect themselves and others around them.
This can be challenging when they must also process feelings of sadness, grief, loneliness, fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, and depression due to relational losses that may occur while they are away from home. These losses include losing loved ones, such as spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, or acquaintances; relationships with exes, partners, flings, former friends, classmates, teammates, colleagues, or other people they have known in the past; or changes in relationships with significant others, peers, supervisors, commanders, subordinates, or strangers. The following strategies can help soldiers cope with these difficult situations so they can maintain operational focus.
1) Recognize and acknowledge the loss. Soldiers should take time to reflect on what has happened and recognize that their situation has changed. They should allow themselves to feel whatever emotions arise without judging them or trying to suppress them. This does not mean dwelling on negative thoughts or wallowing in self-pity but acknowledging reality and allowing oneself to grieve or accept it as necessary.
2) Seek support from trusted family members, friends, fellow soldiers, chaplains, counselors, doctors, therapists, or other professionals who understand military culture and can provide empathetic and confidential assistance. Soldiers may find comfort in sharing their experiences and feelings with someone who cares about them and will listen without passing judgment. They may also benefit from individual or group counseling sessions, religious services, funerals, memorials, celebrations of life, or other rituals that honor the deceased or departed loved ones.
3) Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, journaling, yoga, art therapy, or music therapy to manage stress and tension and stay grounded in the present moment. These activities can help soldiers clear their minds and reduce anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, and depression while remaining focused on their mission.
4) Connect with others through communication methods such as phone calls, video chats, letters, emails, text messages, social media posts, or visits. Keeping in touch with friends and family members helps soldiers stay connected and maintain a sense of community despite being physically apart. It can also provide distraction and alleviate loneliness and isolation during difficult times.
5) Take care of physical needs by eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, washing regularly, seeking medical treatment when needed, and avoiding drugs, alcohol, and other substances that could interfere with mental health. This ensures that soldiers have the energy and strength they need to perform their duties effectively.
6) Engage in meaningful activities such as reading books, watching movies, attending concerts, visiting museums, playing sports, traveling, volunteering, or participating in hobbies or interests. These activities can give soldiers a break from daily routines and allow them to relax, recharge, and refresh themselves mentally and emotionally. They may even find new sources of joy or fulfillment that help them cope with relational losses.
How do soldiers cope with relational loss, grief, or conflict while maintaining operational focus?
Soldiers may experience a range of emotions when coping with relational losses such as grief or conflicts during their military service. While they are expected to remain focused on the mission at hand, these experiences can still have an impact on their mental health and well-being. Some strategies that can help soldiers manage this include seeking support from fellow troops, utilizing coping mechanisms like exercise or relaxation techniques, and maintaining communication with loved ones back home.