Long-term operational stress can have significant effects on an individual's ability to communicate effectively and build healthy relationships with others. This is particularly true for soldiers who must work together under intense pressure and constantly face life-threatening situations. When soldiers are deployed in combat zones for extended periods, they may develop habits that interfere with their personal lives and damage their communication abilities. These habits include avoidance of intimate or vulnerable conversations, increased irritability, difficulty regulating emotions, hypervigilance, and reduced empathy. In addition to these behavioral changes, soldiers may also experience cognitive impairment related to trauma, including memory loss, attention deficit disorder, and executive function problems.
Rebuilding Relational Competence
There are several steps that soldiers can take to rebuild relational competence after long-term exposure to operational stress. The first step is to identify the specific ways in which the soldier has been negatively impacted by their experiences. They should reflect on their behaviors and communication patterns, both inside and outside of their relationships. Are they more aggressive than usual? More closed off? Less willing to engage in intimacy? Once they have identified areas where they need improvement, they can begin working on them.
One technique that can be helpful is active listening. Active listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying and asking questions to show that you understand their perspective. It helps create a safe space for open communication and fosters trust between partners.
Practicing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling can help reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve mood. This can lead to greater emotional stability and improved ability to connect with others.
Another approach is to practice mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or guided imagery can help soldiers focus on the here and now rather than getting stuck in worry about the past or future. By doing this, they can better attend to the needs of their partner and build rapport through shared experiences.
Rebuilding relational competence after long-term operational stress requires time, effort, and dedication. Soldiers must identify areas where they have experienced negative changes and then take intentional steps to improve those skills. With patience and persistence, it is possible to regain the ability to communicate effectively and build healthy relationships despite traumatic experiences.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when long-term operational stress has eroded prior emotional skills?
When soldiers experience prolonged periods of trauma and stress during operations, it can impact their ability to maintain healthy relationships with family members and friends back home. This is due to changes in neurological pathways that make it difficult for them to regulate their emotions effectively. As a result, they may struggle with communicating, empathizing, and resolving conflicts with others.