Soldiers are trained to be emotionally independent, but it is also necessary for them to feel safe. Emotional safety means feeling secure and protected from harm or danger. It can refer to physical protection, such as being aware of one's surroundings and taking precautions to avoid injury.
It can also mean psychological safety, which involves feeling supported and understood by others. Soldiers may need both types of safety during deployment.
Emotional dependence refers to relying too heavily on someone else for emotional support. This can lead to co-dependency and a loss of self-sufficiency. Dependence can interfere with mission readiness because soldiers must maintain their focus on the task at hand. It can also create tension within the unit if one person becomes dependent on another.
To differentiate between emotional safety and emotional dependence, soldiers should consider the following:
1. Purposefulness - Dependency is often driven by fear or anxiety, while safety comes from a sense of purpose and direction. When soldiers understand why they are doing what they do, they feel more secure in themselves and less dependent on others.
2. Self-care - Dependency can come from neglecting one's own needs and relying solely on others. Self-care includes eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing stress management techniques.
3. Responsibility - Dependency can lead to passivity, whereas safety requires active engagement. Soldiers take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which gives them a greater sense of control over their lives.
4. Limits - Dependency can cross boundaries into co-dependency, where one person takes on the role of caretaker and the other becomes helpless. Healthy relationships have clear boundaries that respect each person's individuality.
5. Balance - Emotional independence does not mean isolation; it means being able to rely on oneself without losing touch with loved ones. A balance of autonomy and connection is essential for psychological health.
Emotional safety and emotional dependence are two different things. Safety comes from taking care of oneself and having a sense of purpose, while dependency leads to an unhealthy reliance on others. By understanding these differences, soldiers can maintain both safety and independence during deployment.
How do soldiers differentiate between emotional safety and emotional dependence?
In general terms, emotional safety is defined as the feeling of security and freedom from harm that allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions freely without fear of being judged or criticized. On the other hand, emotional dependence refers to an individual's reliance on another person for support, approval, validation, and direction in their personal life.