The concept of "social support" refers to the perception that one has access to resources from others who care about their well-being. It includes tangible assistance such as money, food, shelter, and medical care, but also intangibles like advice, encouragement, companionship, love, comfort, sympathy, understanding, validation, appreciation, and praise. Social support can be received from family members, friends, colleagues, romantic partners, acquaintances, and even strangers. It is a key factor influencing mental health outcomes, especially during stressful periods like deployment. Emotional recovery after deployment is an important process for individuals who have experienced trauma or distress while away from home. The purpose of this article is to explore how perceived social support influences emotional recovery after deployment.
After deployment, soldiers are often faced with challenges related to reintegration into civilian life. They may struggle with adjustment, traumatic memories, anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, isolation, and other negative emotions. They may need time and space to heal emotionally before they can resume normal activities like work, school, relationships, hobbies, and entertainment.
Social support can play an essential role in helping them recover by providing necessary resources and reducing feelings of loneliness and desperation.
Social support provides practical help with daily tasks, such as childcare, housework, errands, chores, transportation, and cooking meals. This enables soldiers to focus on self-care without feeling overwhelmed or burdened by responsibilities.
Receiving support from others can boost confidence and self-esteem, which is critical for regaining stability and control. Soldiers who feel supported may also experience less fear, worry, frustration, and sadness because they know that someone cares about their wellbeing.
The quality and quantity of social support received can impact emotional recovery after deployment.
Soldiers with more positive interactions with family members may experience fewer symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with limited contact. Similarly, individuals who receive frequent encouragement and validation from friends may have faster recovery times than those who do not receive such support.
Some types of social support may be harmful rather than helpful during this period. Some people may offer advice or criticism that is unsolicited or unwanted, causing more distress instead of alleviating it. Others may express judgment or disapproval regarding the soldier's actions or experiences while deployed. These forms of social support can undermine trust and create a sense of rejection, making it harder for individuals to heal emotionally.
Perceived social support plays a vital role in emotional recovery after deployment. The amount and type of support received can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively soldiers are able to cope with trauma and stressors. By acknowledging its importance, families, friends, colleagues, and communities can provide the necessary resources and encouragement to help veterans heal from their deployments.
How does perceived social support influence emotional recovery after deployment?
In this case study, we will examine how perceived social support affects an individual's emotional recovery following military deployment. The research literature suggests that individuals who feel supported by their family members, friends, and community are more likely to experience positive outcomes during periods of stressful life transitions (e. g. , deployment) than those who do not have access to adequate social support (Burton et al. , 2016).