Soldiers who have experienced traumatic events such as combat, military operations, disaster relief efforts, or natural catastrophes can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can negatively impact their mental health, affecting them both personally and professionally. PTSD symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts or emotions that cause difficulties to function normally. These soldiers may feel detached and isolated from others, experience difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, irritability, anger outbursts, and guilt. They might be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and suicidal ideation. They may also experience emotional numbness, fear of being hurt again, feeling emotionless or detached, and losing interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
There are ways for these soldiers to try to revive faded emotions and reconnect with themselves. Here's how:
They should seek professional help and support from trained psychologists or counselors who specialize in treating PTSD. They can work with a therapist using evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), medications, group therapy, mindfulness techniques, and other strategies tailored to their specific needs. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Next, they must build a strong social network by reaching out to family members, friends, colleagues, veterans, and organizations that provide peer support. This helps them cope better with stress, receive encouragement and validation, and find meaning in their lives. It also reduces isolation and loneliness which contribute to PTSD. They should practice self-care activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation, relaxation techniques, art therapy, and spiritual practices to regulate mood, relieve tension, and enhance well-being. These activities promote positive coping skills and prevent burnout.
They should engage in new hobbies and experiences that make them feel alive, happy, and fulfilled. Such activities could include traveling, music, sports, writing, cooking, arts and crafts, volunteering, animal therapy, outdoor adventures, and more. They can also join support groups for veterans, attend workshops on resilience, and pursue vocational training to develop a new career.
There are ways for trauma-affected soldiers to revive emotions they fear have permanently faded through seeking professional help, building a strong social network, practicing self-care, engaging in new hobbies and experiences, and developing new coping skills. While it may take time and effort, these strategies can help them heal from the past and move forward positively towards a brighter future.
How do trauma-affected soldiers attempt to revive emotions they fear have permanently faded?
Traumatized soldiers may find it difficult to express their emotions and feelings due to a variety of reasons including guilt, shame, and fear of stigma. They might try to relive their trauma by engaging in risk-taking behavior, substance abuse, violence, self-harming behaviors, avoiding reminders of their past experiences or withdrawal from social interactions.