Soldiers are often exposed to life-threatening situations while on duty, which can lead to traumatic experiences that may cause them to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One common symptom of PTSD is avoidance of reminders of the trauma, such as thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities associated with it. This avoidance behavior can interfere with their ability to form healthy attachments to others, including friends, family members, and romantic partners.
Soldiers also have strong attachment needs for support and connection from these significant others. Thus, they experience ambivalence between the need for closeness and the fear of triggering memories of the trauma. This essay will explore how soldiers navigate this conflicting relationship dynamic and strategies that help them cope with ambivalence.
Soldiers must recognize that they have both positive and negative relationships with close loved ones. They must acknowledge their negative emotions and feelings about the relationship while still recognizing its positive aspects. This allows them to be more present in the moment and focused on the person they are interacting with instead of getting caught up in their own negative thoughts. Second, soldiers should try to communicate their needs and boundaries with their partner openly and clearly. This helps them establish a sense of safety and trust, which can reduce the chances of misunderstandings and conflicts. Third, soldiers should practice self-compassion by acknowledging their struggles and offering themselves empathy and understanding. This can help them feel less ashamed or guilty about their feelings and allow them to let go of some of the tension around their attachment needs. Fourth, soldiers should seek professional support from mental health professionals who specialize in treating PTSD and other related conditions. Therapists can provide evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE), which can help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Soldiers should engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation outside of their intimate relationships. This can help them build resilience and reduce the intensity of their avoidance behaviors. By implementing these strategies, soldiers can work towards managing their ambivalent attachment needs and forming healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
How do soldiers navigate ambivalence caused by conflicting attachment needs and trauma-driven avoidance?
Soldiers may experience feelings of guilt and fear when returning home from war due to conflicting attachment needs. They might feel guilty for leaving their families behind while they are away, as well as fearful about what awaits them upon their return. These feelings can make it difficult to reintegrate into civilian life and maintain healthy relationships with loved ones. To navigate this ambivalence, soldiers can seek professional help to process these emotions and develop coping mechanisms.