Soldiers experience different types of traumas that affect their lives in various ways. Some are psychological, while others may be physical, and they often have lasting effects on their health and wellbeing.
PTSD is a common mental disorder among ex-servicemen, where an individual experiences recurrent flashbacks from the past events during warfare.
Depression and anxiety are prevalent conditions that soldiers suffer from after experiencing trauma. They find it hard to trust people due to fear of being exposed again to such situations. They also struggle with forming close attachments because they feel unsafe around others. Soldiers need emotional support and care when healing from the painful memories of what they witnessed during battles. Reconstructing relational trust, attachment, and safety helps them regain confidence, hope for better days ahead, and peace of mind.
Following steps can help soldiers rebuild their trust, attachment, and safety:
1. Seek professional help: Seeking professional assistance can provide soldiers with the necessary guidance and tools to overcome their trauma. Counselors or therapists specializing in treating PTSD or other trauma-related issues can provide solace and comfort through their words of encouragement and advice. They can offer practical suggestions on how to cope with the situation by changing thought patterns and feelings towards certain people.
2. Find a safe space: Finding a comfortable place where they feel protected and supported provides soldiers with the strength needed to overcome their fears and insecurities. This could mean spending time alone at home or having friends or family members who understand their condition and provide unconditional love. It's essential for soldiers to communicate openly about their struggles so that those around them know what makes them feel vulnerable.
3. Practice self-care: Self-care is crucial in helping soldiers manage stress and improve mental wellbeing. Engaging in activities that bring joy and happiness, like reading books or listening to music, can ease tension and improve mood swings. Physical exercise also helps increase endorphins in the brain, which lowers anxiety levels.
4. Talk to others: Socializing with people outside one's immediate circle is an excellent way to build new relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. A good listener can be someone who listens attentively without judging or criticizing but offers constructive feedback when needed.
5. Join support groups: Support groups allow ex-servicemen to connect with peers who have similar experiences to share ideas and learn from each other. The group setting creates a sense of community where everyone feels accepted despite their differences. Soldiers gain confidence by sharing their stories with fellow veterans.
6. Create healthy routines: Setting up daily routines such as exercising, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep promotes good habits that contribute positively towards mental stability. This builds resilience against trauma triggers and allows individuals to regain control over their lives.
7. Seek professional help again if necessary: If symptoms worsen after trying all available options, seeking professional assistance becomes necessary. Doctors or psychiatrists offer medications that alleviate physical pain and depression caused by PTSD while providing guidance on managing stressful situations. They may also recommend therapy sessions for further evaluation and treatment.
How do soldiers reconstruct relational trust, attachment, and emotional safety after experiencing trauma?
Soldiers who experience traumatic events may struggle with feelings of mistrust, detachment, and fear. They may have difficulty forming close relationships with others, feeling safe emotionally, and coping with their emotions healthily. Reconstructing these aspects requires time and effort, but it is possible through various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE).