Soldiers have been known for their bravery, loyalty, and dedication to their country since ancient times.
Their lives are not all about fighting battles, but also about making difficult decisions that can put them in conflict with their own values, morals, and emotions. One such dilemma is the tension between duty and personal desires, which often leads soldiers to struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion. To cope with this situation, they employ various psychological strategies that help them reconcile their obligations to society with their individual needs and wants. In this article, I will explore some of these strategies and how they work.
Cognitive restructuring
Cognitive restructuring involves changing one's thoughts and beliefs to better manage stressful situations. Soldiers may reframe negative thoughts related to duty and personal desires as positive ones, focusing on the benefits of both rather than the costs.
Instead of thinking "I need to leave my family behind to fight abroad," they might say "I am doing something important for my country." This helps them feel more motivated and committed to their mission while still honoring their personal commitments.
Distraction techniques
Distraction techniques involve redirecting attention away from unpleasant or unwanted thoughts. Soldiers may engage in activities like exercising, reading, or talking to friends to distract themselves from thoughts of home or loved ones. By keeping busy and focused on other things, they can temporarily alleviate the emotional burden of the tension between duty and personal desires.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that encourages individuals to accept reality as it is and take action to change what is within their control. For soldiers, this means accepting the conflict between duty and personal desires and committing to finding solutions that honor both. It involves identifying values and goals, setting priorities, and taking steps towards achieving them.
A soldier may decide to stay in touch with loved ones regularly but also fulfill his/her military obligations without guilt.
Self-compassion
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding during difficult times. Soldiers can practice self-compassion by acknowledging their feelings and accepting that they are not alone in struggling with the dilemma of duty versus personal desires. They can offer themselves words of support and reassurance, reminding themselves that everyone faces challenges and that there are no easy answers. This helps reduce stress and anxiety while still allowing for reflection and introspection.
Soldiers use various psychological strategies to cope with the tension between duty and personal desires. Cognitive restructuring, distraction techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy, and self-compassion all play a role in helping them navigate this complex situation.
By recognizing the importance of both aspects of life and striving for balance, soldiers can maintain their integrity while serving their country with pride.
What psychological strategies do soldiers use to cope with the tension between duty and personal desires?
The ability of military personnel to manage their duties while balancing their personal needs is crucial for mental health and overall wellbeing. Some strategies that may be helpful include establishing boundaries, seeking support from loved ones, engaging in self-care practices, setting realistic expectations, prioritizing responsibilities, and recognizing one's limitations.