Soldiers are trained to be strong and resilient, but they still experience emotions just like everyone else. Navigating emotional vulnerability while serving in the military can be especially challenging due to the institution's strict guidelines about expressing feelings. This essay will explore how soldiers cope with this dilemma and discuss some strategies that may help them manage their emotions more effectively.
Let's consider the cultural context within which soldiers operate. The military is known for its hierarchical structure, where rank is highly valued and subordinates defer to superiors. This system is designed to maintain order and discipline during combat situations when every second counts.
It also discourages open communication and emotional expression among those under one another's command. Soldiers are expected to obey orders without question, even if they disagree with them, and they must put aside personal opinions or beliefs for the sake of the mission. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to express their true thoughts and feelings.
This lack of freedom to express oneself can have negative consequences for both individual soldiers and the larger unit. When someone keeps everything bottled up inside, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. They may feel isolated from their peers and unable to form meaningful relationships outside of work. In extreme cases, it could lead to traumatic experiences such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which affects nearly 30% of veterans returning home from service. On a team level, suppressed emotions can cause misunderstandings and tension between members who don't fully understand each other's perspectives.
One strategy that has been effective in helping soldiers navigate relational vulnerability is group therapy. Through regular sessions led by trained professionals, groups of soldiers can come together to share their experiences and support one another through difficult times. These meetings provide a safe space where participants can discuss their emotions honestly without fear of judgment or reprisal from others in the military hierarchy. They can also learn valuable coping skills like relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that help them manage stress more effectively.
Another option is to seek out trusted friends or family members outside of the military environment. This allows soldiers to let down their guard and be themselves around people who won't judge them harshly for feeling sad, angry, or frustrated. It's important for these individuals to create an open dialogue about what they're going through so that they don't feel alone in their struggles. They should also make time for recreational activities like hobbies or exercise that offer opportunities for fun and socialization away from work-related pressure.
Navigating relational vulnerability takes effort and self-awareness on behalf of the soldier. By recognizing when they need help and seeking out resources such as counseling or support groups, they can find ways to stay emotionally healthy while serving in the military. With time and practice, it becomes easier for them to communicate openly with those around them and build stronger relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.
How do soldiers navigate relational vulnerability when institutional culture discourages emotional disclosure?
Soldiers may face difficulties navigating relational vulnerability due to institutional culture that discourages emotional disclosure. Institutional norms such as toughness, stoicism, and resilience can create barriers to open communication about personal feelings and experiences, leading to isolation and emotional distress. This can be especially challenging for soldiers who have experienced traumatic events during their service.