How do soldiers cope with emotional dissonance between their battlefield experiences and the calmness of domestic life?
Soldiers are trained to handle adverse situations and act accordingly. They have to go through intense physical and mental training before they are sent out to fight on the battlefields.
The calmness of daily life can be very difficult for them to adjust to once they return from the frontlines. This is because their brains and bodies are still programmed to respond to danger, and it takes time for them to readjust back into the normal life.
Soldiers often find it challenging to deal with loud noises like sirens, alarms, and traffic sounds since these remind them of explosions and gunshots on the battleground. Moreover, sudden movements and changes trigger feelings of anxiety as they might perceive them as a threat or an attack. These sensations can make it hard for them to focus on work, study, or even conversation. As a result, many veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts when they cannot understand what is going on around them.
The challenge of readjustment becomes more significant when soldiers have to go back home after years on the battlefield. The contrast in their surroundings confuses them, leading to emotional turmoil.
Seeing kids playing in parks and laughing at playgrounds brings back memories of innocent victims who were killed during wars. This makes them feel guilty about not being able to protect everyone despite trying so hard. Similarly, women who had sexually abused while in captivity may find it hard to sleep next to their husbands.
Family members also suffer due to the soldier's behavioral issues caused by PTSD. They may become frustrated when they do not receive enough attention or support from their loved ones since they spend most of their time replaying war experiences in their minds. They may also withdraw from social gatherings and prefer solitude instead of interacting with others.
One way that soldiers cope with this emotional dissonance is through therapy. Through professional help, they learn how to control their anxiety levels, manage their triggers, and deal with trauma-related memories. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches them to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. Group therapy helps them connect with other veterans dealing with similar problems, and sharing stories can be healing for all involved.
Another method that works well for many is joining a community service organization where they give back to society. This helps them redirect their energy towards something productive and gives them meaning beyond themselves. Veteran support groups are also an excellent option for soldiers as they provide a sense of belonging and understanding. In addition, physical activities like sports or exercise can distract the mind and body from intrusive thoughts.
The bottom line is that readjusting to domestic life after battlefield experience can be challenging for many reasons.
There are ways to cope with these feelings and get back on track, and therapy can play a significant role here. Soldiers who seek help have higher chances of living happier lives outside the army.
How do soldiers cope with emotional dissonance between their battlefield experiences and the calmness of domestic life?
Soldiers may experience difficulty coping with the transition from combat to civilian life due to the mental health consequences of trauma exposure during deployment. This can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt, anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance that make it challenging to connect with loved ones and find meaning in everyday activities.