Soldiers have always been expected to maintain their composure under extreme circumstances. This expectation has been ingrained into military culture from the days of Ancient Greece until today. In many cultures and religions, stoicism is considered an ideal quality that should be embodied by all members of society.
These expectations can make it difficult for soldiers to express their emotions freely, which can lead to negative effects on mental health. The question remains, how do soldiers balance the need for emotional expression with institutional expectations of stoicism and professional resilience?
There are several ways that soldiers express themselves without violating the expectations of their institution. One way is through writing letters home or keeping journals. These allow them to vent their feelings privately and without worrying about being judged by others. Another way is through art therapy, where they can create pieces that represent their experiences and express their thoughts and feelings.
Some units may provide opportunities for group discussion or counseling sessions where soldiers can share their struggles in a safe space.
Expressing emotions too openly can also have negative consequences.
Showing vulnerability in front of peers could be seen as weakness, leading to social isolation and stigmatization.
Sharing personal information can compromise mission security, putting both the individual soldier and their unit at risk. It's important for soldiers to understand what boundaries exist within their unit and adhere to them accordingly.
Balancing emotional needs with professional expectations requires a delicate approach. Soldiers must find healthy outlets for expression while still maintaining discipline and focus when necessary. With proper support from leadership and teammates, this balance can be achieved successfully. In addition, soldiers should seek out resources such as mental health services if they feel overwhelmed or unsupported by their environment.
The expectation of stoicism among soldiers can make it difficult for them to express their emotions freely.
There are many ways that soldiers can find healthy outlets for their feelings while still upholding institutional standards. By working together with leaders and fellow soldiers, soldiers can achieve balance between these two competing needs.
How do soldiers balance the need for emotional expression with institutional expectations of stoicism and professional resilience?
The military is known for its emphasis on discipline, toughness, and strength, with an expectation that soldiers must be able to handle any situation without showing signs of weakness. This can create tension between the need for emotional expression and the institution's expectations of stoicism and professional resilience.