The United States military is one of the most powerful forces in the world. Its soldiers are tasked with protecting American citizens from foreign threats and defending the nation's interests abroad. The US military is comprised of highly trained professionals who risk their lives to serve their country.
They also face unique challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. One such challenge is relational stress, which occurs when operational demands conflict with personal needs. In this article, we will explore how soldiers manage relational stress and its implications for their mental health.
Let's define what relational stress is. Relational stress refers to the psychological strain that results from an individual's inability to fulfill their social roles and responsibilities. This includes spouses, partners, children, parents, friends, coworkers, and other significant relationships. When a soldier goes into combat, he or she must leave behind their loved ones and focus entirely on their mission. This can cause significant emotional distress as they struggle to balance their duties as both a soldier and a parent/spouse/child/etc.
Soldiers often experience isolation, loneliness, and anxiety due to the nature of their work. These factors can lead to feelings of guilt, anger, depression, and resentment towards those they love.
Let's look at how soldiers manage relational stress while serving in the military. Soldiers have developed various coping mechanisms to deal with the pressures of their job. They may seek support from fellow soldiers, family members, or mental health professionals. Many soldiers find comfort in writing letters home or talking to their loved ones via video chat or phone calls. Others turn to hobbies or exercise to help them cope with the stress. Some even use drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. While these methods may provide temporary relief, they are not always effective long-term.
Let's consider the impact of relational stress on a soldier's mental health. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to relational stress can lead to serious mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). These conditions can make it difficult for soldiers to function in everyday life, leading to social withdrawal, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. As a result, many veterans suffer from depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems after leaving active duty.
Relational stress is a common problem among US military personnel. While there are ways to cope with this stress, it is essential to acknowledge its implications for mental health. By understanding the causes and effects of relational stress, we can better support our service members who sacrifice so much for our country.
How do soldiers manage relational stress when operational demands conflict with personal needs?
Relational stress is defined as "the level of tension that arises from interactions between people" (Burton et al. , 2019). Soldiers who experience high levels of relational stress may have difficulties managing their personal needs due to the competing demands of military operations. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and resentment towards family members and friends who are not involved in the military life.