The effects of combat trauma are well known to psychologists and can have devastating consequences for the victims' lives. Among them is the development of defense mechanisms that prevent soldiers from experiencing strong emotions such as love, lust, and attachment to others. This phenomenon was first observed in veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but has since been found in other types of trauma survivors too. In this paper, I will explore what mechanisms develop in soldiers who fear emotional closeness after trauma, how these patterns reshape their relational world, and why they persist despite being counterproductive.
Defense Mechanisms:
Soldiers who experience trauma may develop several mechanisms of avoidance, which aim to protect themselves from intense emotions and painful memories. The most common ones include denial, repression, isolation, and dissociation. Denial involves refusing to accept reality or recognize the impact of the trauma, while repression involves pushing away disturbing thoughts and feelings deep into the subconscious mind. Isolation is when one distances themselves from others emotionally or physically, and dissociation occurs when a person feels detached from their body or surroundings. These mechanisms serve an important purpose by helping individuals cope with overwhelming stress, but they can also lead to problems in relationships if not addressed.
Impact on Relationships:
When soldiers develop defense mechanisms related to intimacy, it can be challenging for them to form close bonds with others. They may feel uncomfortable with physical contact or emotional vulnerability, leading to difficulties in dating, friendships, and family life. They may struggle to connect on a deeper level or express their needs, leaving partners feeling alone and unsupported.
This can create mistrust and distance between loved ones who don't understand why the soldier acts differently than before combat. In some cases, soldiers may even withdraw entirely from society to avoid triggering these negative emotions.
Persistence of Defense Mechanisms:
Despite being counterproductive in terms of healthy relationships, many veterans continue to rely on their defense mechanisms because they are familiar and comfortable. It takes time and effort to learn new coping strategies that allow them to process their experiences without shutting down emotionally.
Soldiers may fear that opening up to others could put them at risk of experiencing similar trauma again, which reinforces the need for isolation. This cycle can become self-perpetuating, leading to chronic loneliness and depression that only worsens mental health outcomes.
Soldiers who fear emotional closeness after trauma develop various mechanisms of avoidance that reshape their relational world. These patterns persist despite being counterproductive because they provide a sense of safety and control when dealing with overwhelming stress.
Addressing these issues through therapy or support groups can help individuals break the cycle and reconnect with loved ones. By understanding and respecting soldiers' struggles, we can promote healing and prevent further harm.
What mechanisms of avoidance develop in soldiers who fear emotional closeness after trauma, and how do these patterns reshape their relational world?
Soldiers who have experienced trauma may adopt strategies of emotional withdrawal as a way of coping with their experiences, leading them to avoid close relationships that could potentially reopen old wounds. These patterns can reshape their relational world by causing them to become increasingly isolated and detached from others, making it difficult for them to form meaningful connections. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and even further anxiety and depression.