Soldiers are often deployed to warzones for prolonged periods of time, which can take a toll on their mental health and affect their relationships with loved ones back home. One way that they can stay mentally healthy is by maintaining emotional authenticity and trust with those they care about, but this can be challenging when they are away from them for extended periods. In this article, I will explore some strategies that soldiers can use to keep these vital connections alive while on deployment.
Soldiers should try to communicate regularly with their families and friends through text messages, phone calls, video chats, and letters. This allows them to stay connected even when they cannot physically be together. It also provides reassurance that their loved ones are thinking of them and that they have support waiting for them when they return.
It's important to be aware that communication methods may change during deployments due to various reasons such as technology issues or security concerns.
Some soldiers may need to use a different email address than usual or use encrypted messaging applications.
Soldiers should find ways to express themselves authentically despite being in an unfamiliar environment. They can do this by writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal, creating artwork or music that reflects their experiences, or talking to someone who understands what they're going through. It's essential to find outlets for emotions so that they don't build up inside and become overwhelming upon returning home.
Soldiers should seek out resources like counseling services if needed, which can help them process difficult emotions and work through any trauma they may have experienced.
Soldiers must trust that their relationships will survive the distance and separation. This means being honest about how they feel and not hiding anything out of fear of hurting their loved ones. It also means giving each other space when needed and understanding that there might be times where communication is limited. Trust takes effort and requires regular maintenance, but it's crucial for maintaining strong bonds between soldiers and their families back home.
Maintaining emotional authenticity and trust during repeated deployments requires intentional effort and flexibility from both sides. By staying connected, expressing themselves creatively, seeking support when necessary, and communicating openly, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships with those they care about even when they are apart.
How do soldiers maintain emotional authenticity and trust during repeated deployments?
Soldiers may have difficulty sustaining their emotions and trust in others while experiencing multiple deployments due to several factors such as fear of death, loneliness, uncertainty about family members' well-being, lack of support from comrades, and cultural differences. To cope with these challenges, they rely on self-regulation techniques (e. g. , deep breathing exercises, cognitive restructuring) that help them manage negative thoughts and feelings associated with deployment experiences.