SOLDIERS AND EMOTIONAL REPRESSION IN RELATIONSHIPS
Emotions are an integral part of human existence and play a crucial role in forming interpersonal bonds.
For soldiers, emotional suppression has become a necessary skill due to their demanding profession. They must be able to detach themselves from situations that require them to act without showing any signs of fear or hesitation. The need for emotional suppression is essential for survival during times of war, but it can also lead to difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. This article explores how soldiers reconcile this paradox between suppressing emotions and being open about their feelings in intimate relationships.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Historically, soldiers have always had difficulty expressing their emotions due to the nature of their work. In ancient Greece, warriors were expected to display courage and stoicism on the battlefield, even when facing death. During World War II, many veterans struggled to adjust to civilian life because they were accustomed to repressing their feelings. Today, modern militaries still value emotional control in combat zones, as shown by reports of soldiers who have been punished for crying on duty. Soldiers' inability to express emotion makes it challenging for them to form meaningful relationships outside of the military setting.
PARADOX OF EMPTINESS
The paradox of emptiness occurs when soldiers feel disconnected from others and struggle to share their inner thoughts and experiences. This feeling of emptiness stems from years of suppressing emotions and can lead to isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Veterans may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning home due to unprocessed trauma. According to research, soldiers who experience PTSD often have a hard time forming stable relationships because they do not trust or connect with others. They fear that expressing vulnerabilities will make them weak or expose them to further harm.
SOLUTIONS FOR RECONCILIATION
To reconcile this paradox, soldiers need to learn how to balance emotional suppression with relational openness. One solution is counseling, where trained professionals help soldiers identify and process their emotions in a safe environment. Another solution is family therapy, which involves couples and families working together to improve communication and understanding.
Some organizations provide support groups for veterans to connect with one another and share experiences.
Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help soldiers become more aware of their emotions without judgment or attachment.
How do soldiers reconcile the need for emotional suppression with the desire for relational openness?
Soldiers often face conflicting demands regarding their emotions during military service. On one hand, they are expected to suppress their feelings to maintain discipline and focus on completing tasks efficiently. On the other hand, they also have a strong desire for relational openness and connection with others. To reconcile these competing needs, some soldiers may engage in strategies such as compartmentalizing their emotions into different areas of life (e. g.