Relationships are an important aspect of life for many individuals, including those serving in the military.
Maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging when you must keep certain aspects of your personal life secret due to military regulations. This secrecy can have significant effects on mental health outcomes during active duty.
One common type of relationship secrecy is concealing one's sexual orientation or gender identity from fellow servicemembers. Research has shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder than their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
They may feel isolated and unable to seek support from their colleagues due to fear of being exposed. This can lead to increased stress levels and decreased psychological well-being, which can impact overall performance and readiness.
Another form of relational secrecy involves hiding romantic relationships or engagements. Military regulations often prohibit service members from sharing intimate details about their love lives, even if it doesn't interfere with their duties. This can create tension and distance between partners, leading to emotional strain and potential conflict.
Service members may feel isolated and lonely, especially if they are stationed far away from their loved ones.
Some military personnel choose to conceal extramarital affairs or other forms of infidelity. While this may seem like a private matter, studies suggest that secrecy around these behaviors can cause guilt and shame, which can negatively affect mental health outcomes over time. Service members may also worry about getting caught and facing disciplinary action, leading to further distress.
Maintaining relationships while serving in the military can be challenging, but keeping certain aspects of your personal life secret can have serious effects on mental health. It is crucial for commanders and supervisors to provide supportive environments where servicemembers feel comfortable discussing their relationships without fear of punishment or discrimination. By fostering an open and inclusive culture, we can help promote positive outcomes for all our service members.
How does relational secrecy affect mental health outcomes during active service?
Relational secrecy is known to be detrimental to mental health outcomes during active service as it can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and stress. Research has found that individuals who are secretive about their relationships tend to have higher levels of distress than those who do not keep their relationship status hidden. This may be because secrets create a sense of shame and guilt, which can negatively impact one's self-esteem and overall wellbeing.