The relationship between deployment and operational stress is well documented among military personnel and their families, but how this impacts identity concealment and mental health outcomes remains understudied. Identity concealment refers to the practice of hiding one's true self from others, including gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity. Research suggests that individuals who are less comfortable revealing their identities may experience greater stress and more negative emotions during deployments than those who feel secure about sharing their identities. This increased stress can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can persist long after deployments have ended.
Researchers have not fully explored the mechanisms through which these factors interact to influence mental health. In this article, I will discuss how identity concealment and deployment and operational stress interact to affect mental health outcomes and explore potential ways to mitigate these effects.
Let's consider the relationship between deployment and operational stress. Deployment involves being sent away from home for an extended period of time to serve in a military capacity, often in a dangerous or unfamiliar environment. Operational stress refers to the psychological and physical strain caused by the demands of military service, such as combat, training exercises, or high-pressure situations. These experiences can be traumatic and overwhelming, leading to feelings of fear, helplessness, and isolation.
Military members must adapt to new environments, roles, and relationships, potentially adding to their stress levels.
We will examine the role of identity concealment in this equation. Identity concealment occurs when individuals hide parts of themselves or their true selves from others due to concerns about rejection, judgment, or other social pressures. Research suggests that individuals who are less comfortable with their identities may experience greater stress and more negative emotions during deployments than those who feel secure about sharing their identities. This increased stress can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which can persist long after deployments have ended.
A study found that gender nonconforming service members were at higher risk for mental health problems related to hiding their gender identity while deployed. Similarly, another study found that religious minorities experienced increased stress during deployments if they felt compelled to conceal their religion from colleagues or commanders.
So how do these factors interact to influence mental health? One possibility is that deployment and operational stress create conditions where identity concealment becomes necessary to survive. Military personnel may feel pressure to fit in or conform to traditional gender norms, religious beliefs, or other aspects of identity in order to maintain safety and support within their unit. This can lead to increased stress and negative emotions, exacerbating existing mental health challenges. In addition, the need to conceal one's identity can contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and powerlessness, further affecting mental health.
There are also ways to mitigate these effects. First, military leaders and policymakers should work to create environments where all service members feel safe expressing their identities without fear of retribution or stigma. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion, providing training on identity-based discrimination, and addressing prejudice and stereotypes. Second, individuals can develop coping strategies to manage identity concealment during deployments. These may include talking with trusted friends or family members about their concerns, seeking professional counseling, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in physical activity, or pursuing activities that promote self-care.
Families and loved ones of military personnel can offer support and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those serving in the military and encouraging open communication about struggles and successes. By addressing the complex interplay between deployment and operational stress, identity concealment, and mental health outcomes, we can better support our nation's service members and their families.
How does deployment and operational stress interact with identity concealment to influence mental health outcomes?
The effects of deployment and operational stress on individuals' identity can be complex and multifaceted, as they may vary based on individual characteristics such as gender, age, cultural background, pre-deployment experiences, and personal beliefs. Deployment and operational stress can lead to feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes, which may further exacerbate the challenge of concealing one's identity for some people.