When people enlist to serve their country, they are often unaware that it will change them forever. They are prepared to sacrifice themselves for their beliefs but may be unprepared for the emotional impact of witnessing violence and death. Many soldiers come home from war changed people, both physically and mentally. In addition to physical injuries, many experience psychological trauma like PTSD that can affect all aspects of their lives. One way this is apparent is through changes in relational priorities.
Soldiers go through an intense training process before deployment that teaches them how to cope with difficult situations.
Nothing can prepare them for the realities of war. Seeing friends die, being injured themselves, or taking someone's life can leave lasting scars. These experiences fundamentally alter how soldiers view the world and their place in it. Suddenly, everything seems less important than staying alive. This shift in perspective can make it challenging to reintegrate into civilian life, where relationships are more important than ever. Soldiers must learn new ways of interacting with loved ones to build stronger bonds and heal from their wounds.
One of the most significant changes that soldiers face after returning home is the way they communicate with family members. When deployed, communication with loved ones is limited and infrequent. It often takes weeks or months to hear from home, so soldiers develop a sense of detachment. They may even feel disconnected from their families because they have experienced so much without them. Once back home, these soldiers find it hard to relate on a personal level and struggle to express feelings appropriately.
Another change is the desire for intimacy. For some soldiers, deployments force them to confront their mortality and appreciate every moment. They become more aware of what matters in life and want to share that with those they love. Others may be drawn to risk-taking behaviors like gambling or drinking excessively as a way to feel alive again. All of this affects how they connect with others, which could lead to problems in relationships.
Soldiers must also learn to trust again after seeing betrayal firsthand during deployment. Trust is essential to healthy relationships but is difficult when you've seen people turn against each other. Many veterans struggle with paranoia, anxiety, or depression, making it harder to open up to friends or partners.
With time and therapy, many soldiers find new ways to form meaningful connections and work through their trauma.
Being a soldier requires tremendous sacrifice, both physically and mentally. While soldiers are trained to handle extreme situations, nothing can prepare them for the emotional impact of war. Witnessing violence, death, and betrayal fundamentally changes how they view the world and themselves. This shift in perspective can make reintegrating into civilian life challenging, especially regarding relationships. With support, however, most soldiers can overcome these challenges and develop new relational priorities that help them heal from their wounds.
How do soldiers develop new relational priorities after witnessing life-altering events during deployment?
After witnessing life-changing events during deployment, soldiers may reevaluate their priorities and values regarding relationships with others. This can include changing how they interact with family members, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues, as well as developing new bonds with fellow service members who experienced similar traumas. Some soldiers may find that they become more empathetic and understanding of others' struggles, while others may withdraw from social situations altogether.