Soldiers are known for their dedication to service and sacrifice to protect their country's interests abroad.
Being away from home for extended periods can be difficult, especially during wartime when they experience traumatic events that may affect them psychologically. Traumatic experiences such as combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sexual assault can significantly impact their mental health, leading to changes in behavior, personality, and identity. Reconstructing one's identity after trauma or risk is crucial for soldiers' wellbeing, but it can be challenging due to various factors, including social stigma, cultural norms, and personal beliefs. This article explores how soldiers reconstruct their identities after experiencing these traumas.
Psychological Effects of Trauma
Combat stress refers to the emotional reaction caused by exposure to a terrifying event, which causes long-term effects on an individual's physical and mental health. Soldiers who witnessed or participated in battles have high chances of developing PTSD if they do not receive proper treatment. The symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, avoidance behavior, and hypervigilance. These symptoms may lead to changes in thinking patterns, mood, emotions, and relationships with others.
Cultural Norms and Personal Beliefs
Cultural norms and personal beliefs also influence soldiers' identity reconstruction after trauma. Many societies view soldiers as heroes who must maintain masculinity to fit into society's expectations. Therefore, seeking help for mental health issues is considered weakness rather than a sign of strength, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Some cultures frown upon openly discussing mental health issues, making it difficult for soldiers to seek help without judgment.
Coping Mechanisms
Soldiers use various coping mechanisms to cope with trauma, including substance abuse, isolation, and withdrawal from family and friends.
These methods are short-term solutions that worsen their mental health and prevent them from rebuilding their identities. Therefore, soldiers need professional help to address their mental health issues and build resilience through therapy and counseling.
Family Support
Family support is crucial during identity reconstruction. When soldiers return home after deployment, families should create a welcoming environment where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or stigma. They should provide unconditional love and support while helping them find new hobbies or interests that align with their changed personality. Families can also attend therapy sessions together to understand each other better and establish communication channels.
Reconstructing one's identity after trauma or risk requires military personnel to receive proper medical care, overcome social stigmas, embrace cultural norms, and have family support. Through proper intervention, soldiers can recover from psychological distress and regain their sense of self-worth.
How do soldiers reconstruct identity after trauma or risk?
Soldiers may develop an identity crisis due to the traumatic experiences they have endured during warfare. They might find themselves struggling with their sense of self-worth, purpose, and values, as well as how they perceive themselves in relation to others. The process of reconstruction can be challenging, but it involves several strategies that can help them regain control over their lives.