During deployment, military personnel can experience significant levels of stress that may negatively impact their mental health. One of the major stressors for service members is relational suppression, which occurs when individuals suppress their natural desire to connect with others, including family and friends, due to the demands of their job. This type of suppression can have long-lasting psychological effects that can last well beyond the deployment period.
The first long-term effect of relational suppression during deployment is a sense of isolation and disconnection from loved ones back home. Military personnel who are away from their families for extended periods may feel as though they are missing out on important life events such as birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
They may struggle to maintain regular communication with loved ones, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness. This sense of isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Another long-term effect of relational suppression is a decrease in social support networks. During deployment, military personnel often rely heavily on one another for emotional support and camaraderie.
Once they return home, they may find it difficult to reconnect with these relationships or build new ones. This lack of support can make it harder for them to cope with the stress of civilian life, increasing the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicide.
Relational suppression during deployment can also lead to relationship difficulties after returning home. Service members may struggle to connect with their spouses or partners, children, or other loved ones, leading to marital problems, family conflicts, and difficulty parenting. This can further exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to new ones.
To address the negative impacts of relational suppression, service members should prioritize their relationships before, during, and after deployment. They should maintain regular communication with loved ones and make an effort to stay connected even when deployed. They should seek out social support networks and resources, such as Veterans Affairs counseling services, that can help them adjust to civilian life.
They should be mindful of the potential challenges that may arise upon returning home, such as changes in routine or increased responsibilities, and work to manage them proactively. By taking care of themselves and their relationships, military personnel can reduce the psychological effects of relational suppression and improve their overall well-being.
What are the long-term psychological effects of relational suppression and stress on deployed military personnel?
Relational suppression is one of the many challenges that military personnel experience during deployment. It refers to the intentional avoidance of expressing personal thoughts and feelings related to their relationships at home and other social engagements. The long-term psychological effects of this practice can be severe for individuals who have been serving for an extended period in combat zones.