Soldiers are trained to suppress their emotions when they face life-threatening situations, such as combat, disasters, or emergencies. This is a natural survival instinct that helps them stay focused and perform well under pressure.
Prolonged emotional suppression can lead to mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Therefore, soldiers must learn to express their feelings constructively after returning home from deployment. The transition from suppression to expression requires effort and support.
The first step towards emotional expression is acknowledging one's feelings. Soldiers should recognize what they feel inside, such as sadness, anger, fear, guilt, or shame. They should understand that these emotions are normal reactions to traumatic experiences and do not make them weak. Once they accept their feelings, they can begin to process them.
Processing involves identifying, analyzing, and understanding the root cause of the emotion.
If a soldier feels angry about a specific event during deployment, they might ask themselves why it triggered this feeling. By examining their thoughts, they can gain insight into their experience and find ways to cope with it.
After processing, soldiers need to express their emotions in a safe environment. This could involve talking to family members, friends, counselors, or therapists who have experience working with veterans. Expressing feelings through writing, art, music, or physical activities can also be helpful. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD by increasing endorphins and reducing cortisol levels.
Emotional expression does not always come naturally. Some soldiers may need time and practice to open up about their experiences. They might hesitate due to social stigma or worry about appearing weak. But open communication with loved ones can build trust and strengthen relationships.
In addition to individual efforts, military organizations can help soldiers transition from suppression to expression. Leaders should encourage emotional expression, provide mental health resources, and create spaces for soldiers to share their experiences. Families can also play an important role by supporting their loved ones and recognizing their sacrifices.
Self-compassion is crucial for successful emotional expression. Soldiers must treat themselves with kindness and forgiveness, rather than judging or shaming themselves for what they experienced. They should recognize that everyone processes trauma differently and that healing takes time. With patience and support, soldiers can learn to manage their emotions and live fulfilling lives after service.
How do soldiers transition from emotional suppression to constructive emotional expression?
Soldiers must take steps towards self-awareness, self-care, and social support when they return home. They need to understand their trauma and its impact on them, develop coping strategies that work for them, and seek out sources of support from others who have experienced similar things. It's important for them to connect with family, friends, and peers as well as professionals such as therapists and veterans groups.