The military experience can be highly demanding, both physically and mentally. During deployment, soldiers are subject to intense stressors that can have lasting effects on their mental health. One of these stressors is the lack of communication with loved ones back home. This paper will explore how soldiers cope with the emotional rebuilding process after deployments where communication has been limited due to censorship or lack of access to technology. It will focus on how individuals handle feelings of isolation, loneliness, and fear during this time.
Isolation
One way in which soldiers may feel isolated while deployed is through the loss of physical contact with family members. While some forms of communication such as email and phone calls are available, they cannot replace the touch, smell, and presence of a loved one. The absence of physical contact can lead to feelings of detachment and alienation from those closest to them. Soldiers may feel like they are living in another world, separate from the lives of their families. This feeling can make it difficult for them to fully engage in activities and relationships with others while they are away.
Loneliness
Another emotion that can arise during periods of separation is loneliness. Without the support of friends and family, soldiers may find themselves feeling alone even when surrounded by other people. They may feel disconnected from their usual social networks and struggle to maintain close relationships while apart. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness.
Fear
Fear can be a significant factor in the emotional rebuilding process following deployment. Soldiers may experience fears about what happened during their deployment, whether they were able to complete their mission successfully, and if they will ever return home safely. These fears can manifest as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance behaviors.
They may worry about the impact of their experiences on their relationships back home.
Recommendations
To help navigate these challenging emotions, soldiers should seek professional mental health support upon returning home. This can include individual or group therapy, medication management, or self-care practices such as exercise and meditation. It is also important to stay connected with loved ones through whatever means possible, including writing letters or making phone calls.
Soldiers should take time to reflect on their experiences and talk openly about them with those who understand. With time and patience, individuals can begin to heal from the trauma of deployment and rebuild healthy connections with those they care about.
How do individuals navigate emotional rebuilding when communication during deployment was shaped by censorship or limited contact?
When faced with emotional difficulties stemming from challenges during deployment, such as censorship or limited contact, individuals may utilize various strategies to rebuild their emotions. These can include seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals, engaging in activities that bring joy or meaning, practicing self-care techniques like mindfulness and exercise, and setting boundaries for processing difficult experiences through journaling or therapy.