Soldiers are trained to be physically and mentally strong individuals who can handle the most difficult situations, including those that involve moral dilemmas.
When they come back from combat, many veterans struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues because of what they have seen or done during their service. One of the ways this affects them is through trust and intimacy with others, which becomes more complicated due to their experiences. This article will discuss how soldiers conceptualize trust and intimacy after witnessing or participating in morally complex events.
Soldiers often find it hard to trust others after witnessing or participating in morally complex events. The trauma of war creates an emotional distance between themselves and others that makes it difficult for them to connect emotionally. They may feel like they cannot rely on anyone else but themselves, even if they want to. This leads them to isolate themselves, avoid relationships, and withdraw from social interactions, making it challenging to build close bonds with others.
Soldiers also experience difficulties with intimacy. After being involved in brutal acts of violence or witnessing horrific scenes, they may become numb to human suffering and empathy, making it impossible for them to connect with others emotionally. They might not understand how people around them relate to each other without having been exposed to such extreme circumstances. This can make them seem cold or distant, even though they yearn for closeness and affection.
Soldiers' conceptualization of trust and intimacy changes as a result of these factors. They may view trust as something fragile and temporary, easily broken by betrayal or deceit. On the other hand, they may be more forgiving towards those who hurt them because they know what war does to people and have experienced firsthand the consequences of warfare. In terms of intimacy, they might seek out physical contact rather than emotional connection, relying on touch over words to communicate their feelings.
The experiences of soldiers during combat leave a lasting mark on them, affecting their ability to form meaningful relationships. While some find it easy to open up about their struggles, many keep them hidden away, fearing judgement or misunderstanding. It is essential that we create safe spaces where veterans can share their stories and receive support from peers and professionals who understand their unique needs and perspective. By doing so, we can help them heal and live fulfilling lives after service.
How do soldiers conceptualize trust and intimacy after witnessing or participating in morally complex events?
In general, many soldiers struggle with trust and intimacy after experiencing morally complex events due to difficulties in empathizing with others and self-blame for causing harm. Soldiers may have difficulty establishing trust and intimacy because they are not able to relate to others as humans, but rather as enemies who must be killed. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame that make it difficult to form close relationships.