Soldiers have always been known for their bravery and dedication to serve their country during times of war and conflict. They are trained to handle stressful situations and maintain their composure under pressure.
When they return from deployment, some may experience difficulties in rebuilding relational competence due to disruptions in emotional continuity and habits. Relational competence refers to an individual's ability to establish and maintain healthy and satisfying interpersonal relationships. It involves skills such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and self-awareness. Deployments can cause soldiers to lose touch with family members, friends, and significant others, leading to a sense of detachment and isolation. This disruption can make it challenging for them to reconnect and reestablish intimate connections upon returning home. The good news is that there are several ways soldiers can rebuild relational competence after deployments.
Soldiers should be honest about their experiences and feelings. Veterans who have difficulty expressing themselves or opening up to loved ones may benefit from seeking professional help. Talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other forms of counseling can help veterans process traumatic experiences and improve their communication skills.
Veterans can join support groups where they can share their experiences with fellow soldiers and receive encouragement and advice.
Soldiers should practice active listening and communication. This means being present and attentive while listening to loved ones, asking questions to show interest, and responding positively to feedback. Active listening helps build trust and closeness between partners, which is essential for building strong relationships. Soldiers should also communicate clearly and honestly, avoiding ambiguous language or passive-aggressiveness. They should be willing to compromise and work through conflicts productively.
Soldiers can prioritize self-care and seek out healthy coping strategies. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in leisure activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment. Self-care improves mental and emotional health, making it easier to manage stress and maintain positive relationships.
Soldiers can cultivate gratitude and mindfulness. Gratitude involves focusing on the positive aspects of life, such as family, friends, and hobbies. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment. These practices can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being, leading to more fulfilling relationships.
Rebuilding relational competence after deployments requires time, patience, and effort.
By seeking professional help, practicing active listening and communication, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness, soldiers can reconnect with their loved ones and establish meaningful and satisfying relationships.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when prior deployments disrupted emotional continuity and habits?
While it is possible for soldiers to regain their sense of relational competency after deployment, the process can be challenging due to the emotional and social impact that such experiences have on individuals. Deployment may cause an individual to become accustomed to living under stressful circumstances where they feel detached from other people's lives, which can make it difficult to reconnect with loved ones upon returning home.