What is Relational Suppression and Stress?
Relationships between people are essential for their mental health and wellbeing.
Some situations require them to suppress their feelings and emotions towards others due to external factors such as work or military deployment. This phenomenon is known as "relational suppression." It involves holding back one's natural responses to stimuli, leading to increased levels of stress that can have detrimental effects on an individual's psyche.
Long-term Psychological Effects of Relational Suppression
The long-term psychological effects of relational suppression on deployed personnel can be devastating. When individuals suppress their thoughts and emotions about relationships, it affects how they perceive themselves and interact with others. They may feel isolated, lonely, anxious, depressed, or even develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In addition, suppressed emotions can lead to physical manifestations such as headaches, heart disease, digestive issues, and sleep problems. These conditions can make daily life difficult and impact overall quality of life.
Relational suppression can cause changes in brain chemistry that alter mood regulation mechanisms and cognitive functions like memory recall. These changes are often permanent, making it more challenging for those who experience relational suppression to connect with others later in life. The isolation experienced by these individuals may also lead to increased vulnerability to substance abuse or other unhealthy behaviors that further exacerbate the situation.
How Can We Address Relational Suppression and Stress?
Addressing relational suppression and stress requires a holistic approach involving both professional help from mental health professionals and self-care strategies. Individuals should prioritize their wellbeing through activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, yoga, mindfulness practices, and socializing with friends or family members. Professional support is also crucial for exploring underlying factors causing relational suppression and developing coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
Relational suppression has long-term psychological effects on deployed personnel, leading to negative consequences for their mental health, relationships, and quality of life. It is essential to address this issue before it worsens by engaging in self-care activities and seeking professional assistance when necessary. By taking action now, we can help our fellow soldiers navigate these challenges and improve their wellbeing while serving our country abroad.
What are the long-term psychological effects of relational suppression and stress on deployed personnel?
Relational suppression is often used as a coping mechanism by individuals when they experience high levels of stress. This can lead to several psychological and emotional effects that may last long after deployment has ended. One such effect is increased anxiety levels, which can manifest in both physical and mental symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.