Soldiers are trained to kill people who threaten their country's safety and security. This training often requires them to disconnect from their emotions so they can perform their duties without hesitation or remorse.
This emotional detachment does not always go away when they leave the battlefield. In fact, many soldiers struggle with feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, and depression for years after returning home. Here is how some soldiers cope with these emotions:
1. Talking therapy: Many soldiers find that talking about their experiences helps them process their emotions and move forward. They may attend group therapy sessions where they share their stories with other veterans or seek out individual counseling. Some even join support groups specifically designed for military members.
2. Writing therapy: Some soldiers write down their thoughts and feelings as a way to express themselves. This can be an effective way to deal with difficult memories and emotions. Journaling can also help them understand themselves better and gain insight into their mental health issues.
3. Creative expression: For some soldiers, creative activities like art, music, or writing provide an outlet for their emotions. Creating something beautiful or meaningful can help them feel connected to others and give them a sense of purpose outside of combat.
4. Physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which can lift mood and reduce stress levels. Physical activity also provides a distraction from negative thoughts and emotions. Many soldiers turn to sports, running, cycling, or weightlifting as a way to manage their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
5. Service dogs: Service dogs are trained to provide companionship and assistance to veterans with PTSD. These dogs can help veterans feel less isolated and more secure in public spaces. They also offer unconditional love and affection, which can be especially helpful for those who struggle with social anxiety or depression.
6. Virtual reality therapy: VR technology is being used to treat PTSD by exposing patients to simulated trauma scenarios in a safe environment. This type of treatment helps desensitize patients to triggers and allows them to confront their fears without risking harm. It also gives them a sense of control over their reactions.
7. Mindfulness meditation: Meditation practices such as mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment, soldiers learn to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. This can help them cope better with difficult memories and experiences.
8. Gratitude practice: Writing down things you are grateful for each day can shift your focus away from negative thoughts and emotions. Grateful people tend to report higher levels of happiness and well-being overall. A gratitude journal can be an effective tool for managing mental health issues like PTSD.
9. Spirituality: For some soldiers, spiritual beliefs provide comfort and hope during difficult times. They may turn to religion, meditation, or other practices that connect them with a higher power. Faith can give them a sense of meaning and purpose in life, even if they no longer believe in their military mission.
10. Family support: Spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends - family members play a crucial role in supporting veterans who struggle with PTSD. They can offer love and understanding when needed most and encourage positive behaviors like exercise, meditation, and therapy. Family members should not take on too much responsibility but instead provide a safe space for veterans to express themselves honestly.
How do soldiers cope with emotional detachment that persists long after leaving the battlefield?
Soldiers often struggle with emotional detachment for months or even years following their service. The disorder can manifest itself through mood swings, sleep disturbances, substance abuse, difficulty concentrating, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are caused by exposure to stressful events on the battlefield which trigger PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), but also from being isolated from friends and family during deployment.