In combat situations where military personnel are exposed to extreme stressors such as death, injury, and destruction, it is essential for them to have strong bonds between themselves to remain resilient and effective. These bonds are called relational cohesion and they help individuals stay motivated and focused during these difficult times.
When some members experience secondary trauma from witnessing their comrades' mental health struggles or suffering from their own psychological distress, maintaining this bond can be challenging. There are several strategies that soldiers can utilize to preserve relational cohesion while navigating this situation, including seeking support from colleagues, building trust through open communication, and prioritizing self-care.
Seeking Support from Colleagues
When faced with a colleague's mental health issues, soldiers should seek support from others in their unit. This can include sharing feelings, asking for advice, and providing assistance when needed.
If one soldier is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks or nightmares, another member may offer to listen and provide comfort. By doing so, both soldiers build a stronger bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
Seeking outside resources such as therapy sessions or counseling together can also strengthen the relationship by helping them identify common stressors and develop coping mechanisms.
Building Trust Through Open Communication
Open communication is key to maintaining relational cohesion among troops. When soldiers share their thoughts and emotions openly, they create a sense of trust and safety within the group. By being vulnerable with each other, they establish a foundation of empathy and understanding that allows them to rely on one another in tough situations.
It encourages members to ask for help when needed without fear of judgment or criticism.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Taking care of oneself is crucial for maintaining relational cohesion. This includes getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness exercises, and setting boundaries. It also means acknowledging personal limits and not overexerting oneself physically or emotionally. By prioritizing self-care, soldiers are better equipped to handle difficult circumstances while still remaining focused on the task at hand.
Maintaining relational cohesion during times of secondary trauma or exposure to colleagues' psychological distress requires intentional effort and support from others. Seeking support from fellow soldiers, building trust through open communication, and prioritizing self-care are all effective strategies for preserving this bond. With these tools in place, military personnel can remain resilient and effective despite any challenges they may face.
How do soldiers maintain relational cohesion when experiencing secondary trauma or exposure to colleagues' psychological distress?
Soldiers may experience secondary trauma or witness their colleagues struggling with mental health issues due to combat stressors or other factors. To maintain relational cohesion in these situations, they can adopt several strategies that promote empathy, mutual support, and open communication. Firstly, soldiers can practice active listening skills to validate their colleagues' experiences and build rapport through nonverbal cues such as eye contact and body language.