Soldiers must balance their emotions to maintain a healthy mental state, but this can be difficult when they are fighting for their country's safety. They may feel fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness while on duty, which could affect their ability to make rational decisions. To cope with these feelings, soldiers often turn to humor or engage in physical activities like running or weightlifting.
Some soldiers may become depressed if they bottle up their emotions too much. So how do soldiers find a middle ground between being open about their emotions and being discreet?
One way that soldiers can achieve emotional transparency is through open communication with their commanders and fellow soldiers. By talking about their feelings, they can release tension and build trust within the unit. This doesn't mean sharing every thought and feeling, but it does involve being honest when asked and expressing emotions appropriately.
If a soldier is frustrated with a situation, they should say so instead of bottling it up.
Relational authenticity refers to being true to yourself in relationships. Soldiers need to be themselves around others without hiding their thoughts or feelings. This means being honest when something bothers them and speaking up if someone is doing something wrong. It also involves respecting other people's boundaries and not crossing them unnecessarily.
A soldier might share their personal struggles with a close friend or spouse, but only to an extent that won't harm the relationship.
Strategic discretion means knowing when to keep certain information secret.
Soldiers may not want to reveal sensitive military operations to enemy forces or compromise their country's safety. They must weigh the pros and cons of each situation carefully and decide what to disclose based on the consequences.
Balancing these three factors takes practice and self-awareness. Soldiers must learn how much emotion to show at any given time and when to be discreet. With time, they can find the right balance for themselves and maintain healthy mental health while serving their country.
How do soldiers balance emotional transparency, relational authenticity, and strategic discretion?
Soldiers face a challenge of balancing emotional transparency with relational authenticity and strategic discretion in their relationships and interactions with others. They must maintain an appropriate level of openness and vulnerability while also protecting sensitive information related to their work and personal lives from unauthorized access. This balance requires careful consideration of various factors such as trust, communication style, context, and cultural norms.