How do soldiers rebuild relational trust and intimacy after exposure to combat-related moral injury?
The issue of moral injury is very important for military personnel. It refers to the damage that is caused when they have experienced something that violates their sense of morality and conscience. These injuries can be related to both their own actions and those of others. Combat-related experiences are one of the main causes of moral injury. Soldiers may feel guilty about killing people or witnessing horrible things. This can lead to difficulty connecting with others and maintaining healthy relationships.
There are ways to rebuild trust and intimacy even after such traumatic events.
First Step: Recognizing Moral Injury
The first step towards healing is recognizing the problem. It's important for soldiers to understand what has happened and how it has affected them. They should recognize that moral injury exists and talk openly about it. Many veterans suffer from PTSD as well, which can make this process more difficult.
Acknowledging the problem is an essential first step. This will help them start the process of understanding themselves better.
Second Step: Finding Support
Soldiers who have experienced moral injury often need support from friends and family members. They may feel isolated and alone in their struggles, but having a strong support system can make all the difference. Friends and loved ones can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance during tough times.
Some veteran organizations offer therapy and counseling services specifically designed for moral injury. Joining these groups can help soldiers connect with other people who understand what they're going through.
Third Step: Reframing Experiences
One way to deal with moral injury is by reframing past experiences. Rather than focusing on negative aspects of combat, soldiers can try to find positive outcomes or lessons learned.
They might reflect on how the experience helped them grow as individuals or taught them valuable life skills. This doesn't mean denying the pain or minimizing its impact, but rather changing the narrative around it.
Fourth Step: Expressing Feelings
It's crucial for soldiers to express their feelings honestly and directly. They shouldn't bottle up their emotions or pretend everything is fine when it isn't. Talking openly with trusted friends and family members can be helpful here. It can also be useful to seek professional help if necessary. Therapists are trained to listen empathetically and provide guidance for dealing with difficult emotions.
Fifth Step: Practicing Self-Care
Soldiers should practice self-care strategies to improve their overall wellbeing. This could include physical exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, healthy eating habits, and getting enough sleep. These things won't solve the problem overnight, but they can help soldiers cope in the present moment and give them strength for the future.
How do soldiers rebuild relational trust and intimacy after exposure to combat-related moral injury?
Many factors influence the degree of relational trust and intimacy among individuals who have experienced trauma, such as combat-related moral injury. These include cultural norms, personal beliefs, and family dynamics. The literature suggests that soldiers may find it difficult to build trust with others due to feelings of guilt, shame, anger, betrayal, and fear. In addition, they may become hypervigilant and withdraw from relationships due to a lack of empathy for others' perspectives.