One can say that military personnel have many obstacles to overcome when transitioning back to civilian life. These challenges include emotional pain from seeing horrors, having moral dilemmas regarding whether they could have done something differently, and struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear, or sadness. Moral injury is a term used in psychology to describe traumatic events experienced by soldiers who feel disillusionment about their personal values and ethics due to combat experience. Relational confidence is a term used in psychotherapy to refer to the ability of an individual to build trusting and satisfying relationships after experiencing betrayal, abuse, or neglect. In this article, we will discuss how soldiers can rebuild relational confidence after experiencing moral injury or ethical ambiguity during service.
The first step towards healing is acknowledging that moral injury exists and recognizing it as a valid experience. This can be difficult because some veterans may feel ashamed or guilty for feeling this way, which makes them hesitant to seek help. It's essential to remember that moral injury is a common occurrence in warfare and does not make someone less of a person. Next, soldiers should seek out professional help from mental health professionals trained in treating PTSD or other trauma-related conditions. Mental health care providers can provide tools to process the trauma, understand what happened, manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression, and learn coping skills for everyday stressors.
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide comfort and support. Veteran organizations like Wounded Warrior Project offer opportunities for social connection through online communities or local meetups.
Therapists also suggest practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or journaling to reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall wellbeing. Soldiers can use these strategies to reconnect with themselves outside of combat situations and create positive routines that promote personal growth and stability.
Taking time each day to practice mindfulness meditation may help individuals better regulate emotions and cultivate gratitude for life's simple pleasures.
Rebuilding trust in others requires active engagement and effort over time. It means being vulnerable enough to open up about one's struggles without expecting immediate results or judgment from loved ones. Soldiers must learn how to set boundaries, communicate needs effectively, and build authentic connections based on mutual respect and understanding rather than fear or power dynamics. This involves recognizing negative patterns in relationships, such as codependency or manipulation, and learning new ways of interacting.
Sharing personal stories instead of avoiding topics related to military service is an excellent way to start creating a more honest and intimate connection.
Moral injury and ethical ambiguity during service can cause significant distress but are not insurmountable obstacles to healthy relationships. With professional assistance and self-compassionate practices, soldiers can rebuild relational confidence by acknowledging their trauma, seeking community support, practicing self-care, and communicating authentically with those around them. Remember that this process takes time but offers the opportunity for healing and growth beyond war experiences.
How do soldiers rebuild relational confidence after experiencing moral injury or ethical ambiguity during service?
Soldiers may encounter difficult situations while serving their country which may cause them to feel guilty or conflicted about certain decisions they had to make. This can lead to a condition known as "moral injury," wherein individuals experience distressing feelings of guilt, shame, or remorse for actions taken that violated their personal belief system or codes of conduct.