What Are the Long-Term Psychological Consequences of Relational Suppression and Stress on Deployed Soldiers?
Relationships have always been an integral part of human lives, and they help people cope with emotional distress and build social support networks. In fact, studies show that close and intimate relationships provide a buffer against psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicide risk.
When soldiers are deployed to war zones, their relationship experiences may change dramatically, leading to relational suppression and stress. This article discusses the long-term psychological consequences of relational suppression and stress on deployed soldiers, including how they affect their mental health and coping strategies.
Soldiers who are sent to war zones experience significant physical and emotional changes due to combat exposure. They witness violence, death, destruction, and trauma daily, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other psychiatric illnesses. As a result, their relationships with family members and partners become strained or even broken.
Many military spouses report feelings of loneliness, isolation, and neglect during deployment periods, while some soldiers express fears about their sexual identities and gender roles due to prolonged separation from loved ones. These challenges often result in suppressed emotions and stress, which further exacerbates mental health problems.
Psychological Effects of Relational Suppression and Stress
When soldiers suppress their emotions and feelings related to relationships, it negatively impacts their mental well-being. They may feel emotionally distant from their families and friends, which increases feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Some soldiers may also develop psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, that make them more susceptible to developing PTSD. In addition, chronic stress associated with deployment can cause cognitive decline, memory impairment, and sleep disturbances, all of which contribute to poorer mental health outcomes.
Relational suppression and stress affect the soldier's ability to cope with stressors effectively. Soldiers who lack social support tend to have higher levels of distress and anxiety than those who receive regular communication from family members and partners. They are less likely to seek professional help for psychiatric problems, leading to increased suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors.
Soldiers who experience relationship issues after deployment may be at risk of substance abuse and other risky behaviors, including domestic violence and aggression.
Coping Strategies
Soldiers can take several steps to manage relational suppression and stress during deployment. One effective strategy is to establish a routine of daily communication with loved ones via phone or video calls. This allows them to express their concerns, fears, and hopes without feeling judged or criticized. Soldiers should also participate in group therapy sessions, where they can share experiences and emotions with others going through similar situations. It helps build a sense of community and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Soldiers need to practice self-care techniques like meditation, exercise, and healthy eating habits, which can improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Relational suppression and stress are significant challenges faced by deployed soldiers. These factors have long-term psychological consequences that affect their mental well-being and coping strategies. By understanding these effects, military personnel can develop better ways to deal with them and receive appropriate treatment when needed.
What are the long-term psychological consequences of relational suppression and stress on deployed soldiers?
The long-term psychological consequences of relational suppression and stress on deployed soldiers can be significant and may include difficulties with intimacy, trust issues, social withdrawal, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Deployment experiences often involve high levels of isolation, fear, and trauma that can lead to lasting changes in emotional regulation and coping skills.