Soldiers have an important role in society; they protect their country and its citizens from threats, both internal and external.
This job comes with many challenges that can impact their mental health. One such challenge is integrating their relational intimacy, professional obligations, and personal identity into a coherent whole. This article will explore how soldiers can overcome these obstacles and maintain psychological coherence despite the demands of their occupation.
Relational Intimacy
Relational intimacy refers to the emotional connection between individuals in a relationship. For soldiers, this can be particularly difficult because they must balance their romantic partnerships with their military duties. This means that they may miss important events like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays while away on deployment. They also need to keep certain parts of themselves hidden from their loved ones for security reasons. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. To maintain relational intimacy, soldiers must find ways to stay connected even when apart and communicate honestly about their feelings and needs. They should also prioritize time together whenever possible.
Professional Obligations
Professional obligations refer to the responsibilities that come with being a soldier. These include following orders, adhering to protocols, and representing their unit and country in all situations. This can create tension with relational intimacy if soldiers feel conflicted between their professional and personal lives. To resolve this conflict, they must set clear boundaries and priorities. They can do so by communicating openly with their partner about what is expected of them and making sure to spend quality time together when they are off duty.
Personal Identity
Personal identity refers to an individual's sense of self-worth and purpose. Soldiers often struggle with their identities as they navigate the complexities of their profession. This can lead to feelings of confusion, dissociation, and anxiety. To build a healthy personal identity, soldiers need to establish a strong sense of self outside of their job. They can do this by pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or participating in community service.
Connecting with other veterans who share similar experiences can be helpful in developing a shared identity based on common values and experiences.
How do soldiers integrate relational intimacy, professional obligations, and personal identity to maintain psychological coherence?
Soldiers face unique challenges when it comes to integrating their relationships with other individuals while maintaining their professional duties. The military requires strict adherence to protocol and code of conduct that may affect personal relationships, especially during deployment periods. Soldiers must also balance their sense of self-identity, which can be affected by external forces such as combat experiences, rank within the unit, or social pressures within the military community.