The psychological toll of war is often underestimated. For many veterans, returning from service means coming home to find themselves changed. They may have difficulty connecting with family and friends, they may feel disconnected from civilian life, and they may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). One challenge that many veterans face when reintegrating into society is regaining emotional capacity after prolonged periods of numbing during combat.
Emotional Capacity
Emotional capacity refers to the ability to experience, understand, and respond appropriately to one's own emotions and those of others. It includes the ability to empathize, connect, and form bonds with others. During combat, soldiers often suppress their emotions in order to stay focused and perform well under pressure. This can lead to emotional numbness, which can be difficult to reverse once they return home.
Rebuilding Emotional Capacity
There are several ways that soldiers can begin to rebuild their emotional capacity after prolonged periods of numbing. First, they can seek professional help from mental health providers who specialize in treating PTSD and TBI. These professionals can help them identify and process their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build social support networks. Second, they can engage in activities that promote emotional connection, such as spending time with loved ones, volunteering, or joining a support group for other veterans.
They can practice mindfulness exercises, which involve paying attention to their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, soldiers can learn to regulate their emotions and become more aware of their own needs and desires.
Empathy
Empathy involves understanding another person's perspective and feeling sympathy for their situation. Soldiers may find it difficult to feel empathy when they have been trained to view others as threats. To regain empathy, soldiers can try role-playing exercises where they imagine themselves in different situations, such as interacting with family members or friends. They can also read books or watch movies that explore the experiences of others, such as war stories or novels about relationships.
They can practice active listening by asking questions and responding non-judgmentally to others' concerns.
Connection
Connection refers to the ability to form meaningful relationships with others. After prolonged periods of disconnect during combat, soldiers may struggle to connect with those around them. They can begin building connections through small acts of kindness, such as sharing personal stories or offering assistance. They can also join clubs or organizations related to their interests, participate in community service projects, or attend social events.
They can seek out therapy or counseling to address any underlying issues that may be preventing them from forming healthy connections.
How do soldiers rebuild the capacity for emotional curiosity, connection, and empathy after prolonged periods of numbing in combat?
Soldiers rebuild their capacity for emotional curiosity, connection, and empathy through various means including professional help from mental health experts, peer support groups, self-care practices, mindfulness exercises, and gradual exposure to social situations that promote emotion regulation.