Emotional distress among military personnel has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic. Service members are prone to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to their unique work environment that is often characterized by extended periods of high stress levels.
There are several reasons why military personnel may experience interpersonal conflicts during operations including lack of communication skills and cultural differences between soldiers from different parts of the world.
Despite these challenges, it is possible for service members to rebuild emotional trust after operational stress-induced conflict. This can be achieved through various strategies that promote open communication, active listening, empathy, and mutual respect. The following techniques will help them overcome barriers to trust and build strong connections:
1. Understanding and acknowledging each other's needs and perspectives
One way to restore emotional trust is by understanding and acknowledging each other's needs and perspectives. Both parties must recognize that they have different backgrounds, values, and belief systems. They should seek to understand what motivates their colleagues or friends and acknowledge that everyone has a point of view worth considering. When both parties feel heard and understood, they become more willing to compromise and find common ground.
2. Active listening
Active listening involves paying full attention to the other person without interrupting, judging, or jumping to conclusions. It requires putting oneself in another person's shoes and trying to see things from their perspective. By actively listening, one can better understand the underlying issue and develop empathy towards others. Service members can practice this skill by paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking clarifying questions when necessary.
3. Forgiveness and letting go of past hurts
Forgiving others for past mistakes or wrongdoings helps to heal relationships and create an environment conducive for trust. Service members need to learn to forgive themselves and others for any transgressions made during operations. Holding grudges only worsens the situation and prevents growth. Instead of dwelling on past hurts, service members should focus on moving forward and creating a new future together.
4. Respectful communication
Respectful communication promotes openness and honesty, which are essential for building emotional trust. Military personnel should communicate with respect and dignity, avoiding words or actions that hurt others' feelings. They should also strive to be transparent and honest about their thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This creates an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.
5. Practicing gratitude and appreciation
Practicing gratitude and appreciation helps build emotional trust by acknowledging each other's contributions and efforts. Expressing gratitude shows that you value the other person's input and makes them feel valued. Appreciating someone means recognizing their unique qualities and abilities, which fosters mutual respect and admiration.
While operational stress-induced conflict is inevitable among military personnel, it is possible to rebuild emotional trust using various strategies such as understanding and acknowledging each other's needs and perspectives, active listening, forgiveness, respectful communication, and practicing gratitude and appreciation. With these techniques, military personnel can overcome barriers to trust and build strong connections that promote teamwork and success.
How do service members rebuild emotional trust after interpersonal conflict caused by operational stress?
After experiencing trauma from combat operations, service members may find it difficult to trust others again. This is especially true when they have experienced betrayals of loyalty or trust within their unit or close relationships due to the effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Reestablishing trust can be challenging for both parties involved as each must work to overcome feelings of mistrust and fear, but there are steps that both individuals can take to start the process.