Soldiers often have to suppress their emotions for various reasons during combat. They may feel afraid or anxious about the dangers they face, but showing these feelings can make them seem weak or unfit for duty. Some soldiers may also be concerned about their reputation if they express fear or distress around others in their unit. As a result, many soldiers learn to hide their emotions to maintain their status within the group. This can lead to difficulties managing their emotional expression in ways that are healthy for their mental wellbeing.
Some units actively discourage vulnerability among members. Soldiers may be punished or shamed for sharing personal information or talking about sensitive topics. This creates an environment where expressing vulnerability is seen as shameful or taboo. Soldiers who do open up risk being labeled as weak or emotionally immature. These attitudes can create pressure on individuals to keep their feelings hidden, even when it's important to seek support from peers.
To manage their emotional expression, soldiers may rely on different strategies. Some may focus on maintaining a positive attitude by trying to stay optimistic or joking with other members of their unit. Others may try to find ways to escape difficult situations or avoid confrontation.
They might engage in risky behavior such as drinking alcohol excessively or taking drugs. These behaviors can help soldiers temporarily forget their worries and fears, but they can also lead to long-term problems like addiction and substance abuse.
Another common strategy is to suppress negative emotions completely. Soldiers may tell themselves that they should not feel afraid or anxious, and push those feelings down deep inside them. This can lead to feelings of numbness or detachment from others, which can make it harder to form close relationships. It can also increase stress levels over time, leading to physical and mental health issues like anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Managing emotional expression in a culture that doesn't encourage vulnerability can be challenging for soldiers. They must balance the need to appear strong and capable with the desire to connect with others emotionally. Finding healthy outlets for expressing emotions and seeking support from trusted friends and family members outside of the military can help combat some of these issues.
In what ways do soldiers manage emotional expression in units that discourage vulnerability?
One study found that when unit members are trained on how to engage with each other, such as learning about different communication styles, they tend to be more comfortable expressing their feelings and thoughts (McBride et al. , 2018). This may help reduce the stigma of vulnerability and make it easier for soldiers to open up to one another.