Soldiers are individuals who are trained to protect their country's borders, defend it against external aggression, and maintain peace and order within its territory. These tasks require them to be prepared for combat situations, obey orders, and put aside personal interests for the sake of duty.
These same soldiers have families, loved ones, friends, and personal desires that sometimes clash with their professional obligations. This creates relational strain between themselves and their loved ones. How do they cope with this conflict?
To answer this question, we must first understand how relational strain occurs in the life of a soldier. Relational strain is created when there is a discrepancy between what someone wants or expects from a relationship and what they actually experience.
If a soldier wants to spend time with his family but his commanding officer requires him to stay at work late, he will feel relational strain. The longer the distance between his expectations and reality, the more strained the relationship becomes.
The causes of relational strain can vary depending on the situation. In some cases, it may be caused by external factors such as war, deployment, or long hours at work. In other instances, it may arise due to internal struggles such as guilt, fear, anxiety, or depression. Regardless of the cause, soldiers face many challenges when trying to balance their professional duties and personal needs.
One way soldiers cope with relational strain is by setting boundaries. They learn to prioritize their commitments and ensure that they fulfill all their responsibilities before devoting any time to relationships. By doing so, they can avoid feeling guilty about neglecting either their jobs or their loved ones.
They may limit communication with their families during stressful periods to prevent them from worrying about their safety or well-being.
Another strategy for coping with relational strain is seeking support. Many soldiers join organizations like the Military OneSource, which provide resources for service members and their families. These groups offer counseling services, financial advice, career development assistance, and even legal representation in some cases. This allows soldiers to receive guidance and advice from experienced professionals who understand their unique needs.
Soldiers use various techniques to manage their emotions and mental health. They practice self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, journaling, and therapy. They also engage in hobbies or interests outside of work to relax and decompress after a tough day.
They rely on their faith, community, and friends to stay positive and motivated through difficult times.
Soldiers must navigate the complexities of balancing their professional obligations with personal desires.
They have several tools at their disposal to cope with this conflict, including setting boundaries, seeking support, and practicing self-care. By managing these challenges effectively, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships both at home and at work.
How do soldiers cope with relational strain caused by conflicts between professional duties and personal needs?
Soldiers often have to make difficult choices as they face relational strain between their professional duties and personal needs due to the nature of military service. This can lead to feelings of guilt, isolation, and anxiety. To cope with these challenges, many soldiers rely on coping strategies such as compartmentalization, seeking support from family and friends, engaging in physical exercise or hobbies, and practicing mindfulness techniques.