Soldiers experience a range of emotions during their deployments, from excitement and anxiety to loneliness and boredom. While some of these feelings are expected and even necessary for effective performance, others can be challenging to manage without proper coping mechanisms. One common side effect of coping strategies is the development of emotional distance between deployed soldiers and their loved ones back home. This phenomenon has been observed in numerous studies conducted on military personnel returning from combat tours.
The most common emotion that leads to emotional distance is fear. Soldiers often worry about what might happen to them while they're away and imagine worst-case scenarios that could arise while they're gone. They may also feel anxious about missing out on important events like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. These thoughts can lead to avoidance behavior, wherein the soldier tries to minimize contact with loved ones in an effort to protect themselves from potential heartache.
Soldiers may develop a sense of detachment as a way to cope with the psychological stress of warfare.
Another factor contributing to emotional distance is the need for independence. Deployed soldiers often find themselves in situations where they must rely solely on themselves for safety and security. This can lead to an increased sense of self-sufficiency, which can translate into a desire for more space and autonomy when it comes to personal relationships. It's not uncommon for soldiers to push their partners away emotionally or even become distant after returning home from deployment.
Soldiers may experience social isolation due to the lack of available resources during deployment. They may struggle to connect with other troops or civilians who don't understand their experiences. This can create feelings of loneliness and alienation, which can be difficult to overcome upon returning home. When soldiers do reconnect with loved ones, they may find themselves struggling to relate to them or feeling disconnected from their pre-deployment lives.
These factors combine to create a unique challenge for military families. Deployment can cause significant strain on relationships, and it's essential to have open communication between deployed soldiers and their loved ones. It would help if you were honest about your needs, fears, and desires while also being understanding and supportive of each other's perspective. With time and patience, most couples can work through these issues and maintain a strong bond despite the challenges posed by deployment.
How do soldiers navigate emotional distance that emerges as a side effect of coping mechanisms used to endure deployment?
In order for soldiers to cope with the emotional distance that can arise from their coping mechanisms during deployment, they may utilize various strategies such as compartmentalization or detachment techniques. This can be challenging, but it is important for maintaining mental health and performing one's duties effectively. One common strategy is compartmentalization, which involves separating personal feelings from professional responsibilities and tasks.