Soldiers are often exposed to extreme stress during their time in service that can have lasting effects on their mental health and interpersonal relationships. Long-term operational stress can lead to a loss of emotional competence, making it difficult for them to build and maintain healthy relationships.
There are strategies they can use to rebuild these skills and improve their connections with others.
1. Understand the impact of long-term operational stress: Soldiers who experience prolonged periods of high stress can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions that affect their ability to connect with others. They may also struggle with depression, anxiety, isolation, and anger, which can make it challenging to form meaningful bonds.
2. Recognize your own emotions: Self-awareness is an essential skill for emotional competency. Soldiers should identify their feelings and recognize how they impact their behavior towards others. This involves understanding the difference between thoughts, beliefs, and facts and recognizing when personal experiences and biases may be influencing their perceptions.
3. Communicate effectively: Effective communication requires active listening and empathetic responses. Soldiers should focus on understanding what the other person is saying rather than planning their response while giving undivided attention. They should also consider nonverbal cues like body language, tone, and facial expressions to better understand the other person's message.
4. Practice active listening: Active listening means paying close attention to the speaker's words and avoiding distractions or interrupting. It also includes asking clarifying questions and reflecting back what was said to show engagement and support.
5. Be present in the moment: Mindfulness meditation techniques can help soldiers stay focused on the here and now, reducing rumination and worry about the past or future. Focusing on the senses, breath, and physical movement can also promote awareness of one's surroundings and improve connection with others.
6. Seek professional help: If a soldier feels overwhelmed by stress or struggling with mental health issues, seeking professional help is crucial. A trained therapist can provide individualized guidance and support as they work through these challenges.
7. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of oneself physically and mentally is essential for emotional well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, managing stressors, practicing mindfulness, and connecting with loved ones.
How do soldiers rebuild relational understanding when long-term operational stress has disrupted prior emotional competencies?
When soldiers experience prolonged exposure to combat operations, it can lead to significant changes in their daily life and social interactions with others, such as family members, colleagues, and friends. This often results in a reduction of relational understanding that was previously established during normal circumstances. To help restore this lost relational connection, soldiers may benefit from engaging in activities that promote communication and empathy, such as therapy sessions or counseling services.