Soldiers are trained to be strong and resilient, both physically and mentally.
When they experience traumatic events during combat, their former emotional strengths may be diminished or even lost altogether. This can have far-reaching effects on their personal lives, including the way they relate to others. In this article, we will explore how soldiers may need to renegotiate relational identity after trauma.
Physical and mental impact of trauma
Trauma is a response to an extreme event that exceeds one's ability to cope. It can affect anyone, but it is especially common among military personnel due to the nature of their work. Combat situations often involve violence, fear, death, and destruction, which can leave lasting psychological scars. Common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behavior, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses. These symptoms can persist for months or years after the initial traumatic event.
Loss of emotional strengths
The loss of emotional strengths refers to the inability to express emotions in the same ways as before.
A soldier who was once known for being open and affectionate may now become withdrawn and distant. They may feel emotionally numb or struggle to form connections with others. Some veterans report feeling detached from their loved ones, as if they are watching life through a window. This can lead to communication breakdowns, mistrust, and relationship strain.
Negotiation of relational identity
Negotiating relational identity involves adjusting to new roles and expectations within relationships. When a soldier experiences trauma, they may need to redefine themselves in relation to those around them.
They may have to learn how to be less independent and more vulnerable. They may also need to seek support and validation from others, rather than trying to do everything on their own.
This can be challenging when they feel like they no longer fit into their old social circles.
Changes in intimacy and sexuality
Trauma can also affect intimacy and sexuality. Many soldiers experience changes in libido or sex drive after combat, which can create tension in romantic relationships. They may feel guilty about not being able to perform sexually, or they may avoid intimate situations altogether. This can lead to feelings of shame, loneliness, and isolation. At the same time, some veterans may engage in risky behaviors, such as infidelity or substance abuse, to cope with their emotional pain. These behaviors can damage existing relationships and prevent the formation of new ones.
Seeking help for renegotiation
Soldiers who experience trauma should seek professional help to negotiate their relational identities. Therapy can provide a safe space to process emotions, work through triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It can also help them communicate more effectively with loved ones and build stronger relationships over time. Family therapy is another option that can help everyone involved understand each other's needs and struggles.
Traumatic events during military service can have lasting effects on soldiers' physical and mental well-being. When these effects impact their ability to relate to others, it can be difficult to adjust.
With proper support and guidance, soldiers can learn how to renegotiate relational identity after trauma. By seeking help from trained professionals, they can rebuild trust and intimacy within their relationships.
How do soldiers renegotiate relational identity when trauma diminishes their former emotional strengths or capacities?
The renegotiation of relational identity is often necessary for soldiers who have experienced traumatic events during deployment. These experiences can be emotionally and psychologically challenging and can impact an individual's sense of self and relationships with others. When trauma causes individuals to experience significant changes in their emotional strengths or capacities, it may become difficult to maintain previous identities that were based on those qualities.