The term 'LGBT' refers to individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or belong to some other non-heterosexual orientation. This is an umbrella term for people whose gender identities and/or sexual orientations differ from society's expectations of male-female binaries. As such, they often face discrimination and stigma, which can negatively impact their mental health. Relational secrecy is another factor that affects LGBT personnel in the military, specifically when it comes to their romantic partnerships and friendships within the armed forces. Military culture has a long history of excluding and marginalizing those who don't conform to traditional gender roles and sexual norms, creating an environment where LGBT members may feel pressured to hide their true selves from others. The long-term effects of relational secrecy on the mental health of these service members are significant and far-reaching.
In this essay, I will discuss how relational secrecy can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal ideation in LGBT military personnel. Firstly, secrecy creates feelings of isolation, making it difficult for LGBT personnel to form close bonds with fellow servicemen and women. Service members may worry about being outed by someone else if they share personal details about their relationship status or sexuality with colleagues. This fear of rejection can cause them to withdraw from social interactions and avoid intimate conversations altogether, leading to loneliness and alienation.
Secrecy can create a sense of shame and guilt, as individuals may feel ashamed of not living up to societal expectations. This emotional burden can be overwhelming and detrimental to one's psychological wellbeing, resulting in poor self-esteem and low mood.
Secrecy can also have physical consequences, such as suppressing immune function and increasing blood pressure. Stress hormones like cortisol can impair the body's ability to fight off illnesses, while high blood pressure puts strain on vital organs like the heart and kidneys.
These physiological changes can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which further impact overall health and quality of life.
Relational secrecy can increase the risk of substance abuse among LGBT service members who seek relief through alcohol or drugs to cope with negative emotions. This behavior can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to more serious addiction problems down the line.
Relational secrecy is a significant issue facing LGBT military personnel that has long-term effects on their mental health. The stress caused by hiding one's true identity and relationships can manifest itself physically, emotionally, and mentally, leading to increased anxiety levels, depression, and even suicidal ideation. It is essential for all armed forces personnel to understand how relational secrecy affects those around them and create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported. Only then will we be able to foster a truly inclusive and supportive culture within the military community.
What are the long-term impacts of relational secrecy on mental health in LGBT military personnel?
Relational secrecy can have both positive and negative effects on mental health in LGBT military personnel over the long term. On one hand, it may help protect individuals from discrimination and stigma by keeping their sexual orientation or gender identity hidden from others. This can lead to improved self-esteem and resilience in the face of prejudice and hostility.