Soldiers are often exposed to situations that can leave them feeling vulnerable, angry, and even guilty. These feelings can cause them to lose confidence in their own abilities and question whether they are capable of being useful outside of military life.
There are several strategies that soldiers can employ to build emotional trust in themselves again.
1. Recognize the impact of trauma
One of the most important things for soldiers is to acknowledge and accept the emotions they may be experiencing. This means acknowledging that they have been through something difficult and that it has affected them mentally and emotionally. They should seek professional help if needed, but also allow themselves time to process their experiences and grieve what was lost.
2. Practice self-care
Self-care is crucial when rebuilding emotional trust in oneself after service. This includes activities like exercise, meditation, journaling, or connecting with friends and family members who understand their experience. It is important for soldiers to make sure they prioritize their own needs and take care of themselves physically and emotionally.
3. Focus on positivity
It is easy to get caught up in negative thoughts about oneself, especially after a difficult military experience. Soldiers should try to focus on positive things in their lives, such as their accomplishments, strengths, and support system. Positive affirmations and reminders can be helpful in boosting self-esteem and regaining emotional trust.
4. Create new goals
Setting new goals can help soldiers feel motivated and purposeful in their post-service lives. This could mean taking up hobbies or pursuing educational opportunities that were not possible during service. By focusing on these new goals, they can begin to see themselves as capable and successful individuals outside of the military.
5. Seek out support groups
Support groups are often available for veterans who are struggling with mental health issues related to their service. These groups provide a safe space where soldiers can connect with others who share similar experiences and receive support from peers. This can be an essential part of building emotional trust again.
6. Embrace change
Soldiers should recognize that life will never be exactly the same after serving in the military. They may have to adapt to civilian life, which can be daunting at first.
Embracing change can help them see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. This includes being open to trying new things, meeting new people, and accepting that the world has changed while they were away.
7. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is an important aspect of rebuilding emotional trust in oneself. It involves recognizing all the good things in one's life and appreciating them. Soldiers should take time each day to list what they are grateful for, whether it be family members, friends, or accomplishments.
8. Find meaning in service
Soldiers should remember why they chose to serve in the first place and reflect on how their experience has impacted them personally. They should try to find meaning in their service and use this as motivation to build emotional trust again. This could mean pursuing work or volunteer opportunities that align with their values or contributing to causes they care about.
9. Focus on the present moment
It is easy to get caught up in thoughts about the past or future when recovering from difficult experiences. Soldiers should focus on the present moment by engaging in mindfulness practices such as deep breathing or meditation. This helps them stay grounded and focused on the here and now, rather than worrying about what might happen next.
10. Seek professional help if needed
Soldiers should not hesitate to seek professional help if they need it. Therapy can provide valuable insight into the challenges they face and help them develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and trauma. Medication may also be necessary for some individuals to manage symptoms related to PTSD or other mental health conditions.
Soldiers who have served in the military can regain emotional trust by acknowledging their feelings, practicing self-care, setting new goals, seeking support groups, embracing change, finding gratitude, focusing on the present moment, and seeking professional help if needed. With time and effort, these strategies can help them feel empowered and capable again outside of military life.
How do soldiers rebuild emotional trust in themselves when their inner world feels transformed by service experiences?
Rebuilding emotional trust in oneself is often a challenging process for veterans who have experienced traumatic events during military service. Veterans may feel like they are no longer the same person they were before joining the military, leading them to question their identity, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).