When soldiers return home from war, they may experience feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues. They may have difficulty adjusting to civilian life and reintegrating into their families and communities. This is often because they feel pressured to suppress or hide their emotions, which can be both physically and psychologically damaging. In this article, I will explore the effects of these expectations for emotional restraint on soldiers' mental health and well-being.
The military has long been known for its strict codes of conduct and discipline. Soldiers are expected to obey orders without question, maintain physical fitness, perform their duties efficiently, and keep their emotions under control.
This expectation creates a conflict between soldiers' personal needs and institutional expectations. When soldiers feel strong emotions such as fear, anger, love, sadness, joy, or shame, they may need to express them. When they cannot do so, it can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Soldiers may feel emotionally connected to their fellow soldiers, but may be afraid to show affection or express their feelings out of fear that it would be seen as weakness. They may also feel guilty about killing enemies or witnessing horrific events during combat. These feelings can cause intense internal conflicts that can damage their sense of self-worth and identity.
Soldiers who express their emotions may face punishment or ridicule from their peers or superiors. They may be called "weak" or "soft" if they cry or show vulnerability. This pressure to remain stoic can lead to more serious mental health issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental illness characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behavior, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. It can occur after exposure to trauma such as war or sexual assault. In addition to the psychological effects of suppression, these pressures can lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
To help prevent these negative effects, the military should provide resources for soldiers to cope with their emotions in healthy ways. Soldiers should be encouraged to talk openly about their experiences and receive support from friends, family members, and professional counselors. The military should also provide training on how to manage emotions effectively and develop coping strategies. By creating an environment where soldiers can express themselves freely, they will be better able to deal with the challenges of life outside of the military.
What psychological effects emerge when soldiers' emotional needs conflict with institutional expectations for emotional restraint?
When soldiers' emotional needs conflict with institutional expectations for emotional restraint, they may experience various psychological effects that can affect their well-being, performance, and relationships. Some of these effects include feelings of confusion, guilt, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, and isolation. These conflicts can lead to difficulties in adjustment to military life and can interfere with the development of healthy coping strategies.