The War Within: Gravity of Guilt among Military Personnel
Guilt, regret, shame— these are emotions that are no strangers to any of us. “Why did I do that?” and “I shouldn't have said that” are statements that have accompanied many of us during sleepless nights. It is a common human experience. But what happens when this guilt is mixed with actions of much higher moral weight? What does guilt look like when it is the consequence of taking and damaging lives? What happens when guilt replaces gratitude when you're the only one to walk away unscathed?
When it comes to professions like the military, guilt, an already complex emotion, takes on a more distinctive and destructive identity. The alarming suicide rates among military personnel are testimony to the fact that this topic needs much more representation and remedy than it gets. Come with us as we delve into the origins and manifestations of this guilt, and explore coping mechanisms and interventions.
Origins of guilt in the military
In the midst of combat, soldiers often confront moral dilemmas that challenge the very fabric of their ethical convictions. Shay (2014) discusses the concept of moral injury, a term encapsulating the wounds inflicted on a soldier's conscience due to actions that violate their moral code. This moral ambiguity can lead to profound guilt as soldiers grapple with decisions made in the heat of battle.
Survivor's guilt, another facet of military guilt, emerges when individuals return unharmed while their comrades face injury or death. This phenomenon is not only prevalent but deeply impactful, contributing to psychological distress among military personnel (Meert et al., 2011). The guilt associated with surviving when others did not can cast a long shadow, affecting the mental well-being of those who have returned home.
Manifestations of guilt: PTSD and beyond
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-documented consequence of military service, often intertwined with guilt. However, it is a lot more than just flashbacks and aversions to noise as shown by popular media. It is a serious mental disorder that haunts individuals and crushes them with the overwhelming burden of guilt. This intrusive feeling becomes a persistent companion, contributing to the mental health struggles faced by many veterans.
Beyond the battlefield, guilt seeps into daily life, impacting relationships within and outside the military. The strain on personal connections is palpable, with guilt acting as a silent barrier that makes it challenging for soldiers to connect with loved ones (Smith et al., 2016). The psychological toll extends beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of those in close proximity.
Coping mechanisms: Navigating the minefield of guilt
Addressing military guilt requires a multifaceted approach. Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices, offer avenues for soldiers to explore and process their guilt in a supportive environment (Hilton et al., 2017; Koenig, 2006). The importance of building a robust support network within the military community cannot be overstated. Shared experiences provide a unique form of camaraderie, offering understanding and validation to those grappling with guilt (Shay, 2014).
Leadership within the military plays a pivotal role in creating an environment where seeking help is encouraged and stigma is reduced. Vogt et al. (2014) emphasize the need for leaders to recognize mental health challenges among their personnel and foster a culture that prioritizes well-being. Institutional support, including policies that promote mental health awareness and access to resources, is crucial in addressing the broader systemic issues contributing to guilt and mental health struggles.
Suicide rates and the urgency for change
The gravity of the situation becomes starkly apparent when examining suicide rates within the military. Statistics indicate a disturbing trend, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures (Bullman et al., 2015). The most significant risk arises during reintegration in society and the transition of soldiers to civilians. In 2018 in the United States, Veterans only comprised 8% of the country's population, but they accounted for approximately 13.8% of all suicide deaths among U.S. adults (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2020). The correlation between guilt, mental health struggles, and the alarming rates of suicide among military personnel demands immediate attention and action.
Advocacy for increased awareness, resources, and policy changes is of increased importance. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of guilt, mental health, and suicide rates is the first step toward implementing effective strategies. The military community, along with the rest of the society, must promote and advocate for initiatives that prioritize mental health support and destigmatize seeking help.
Conclusion
In the complex landscape of military service, guilt emerges as a demanding psychological adversary. From the battlefield to the home front, its tendrils reach deep into the lives of those who have served. Acknowledging the prevalence and impact of guilt is crucial for fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being within the military community. A collective effort to address military guilt can pave the way toward healing, understanding, and a brighter future for those who have borne the weight of war within.
References:
Bullman, T. A., et al. (2015).
Suicide risk among 1.3 million veterans who were on active duty during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Hilton, L., et al. (2017).
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Ilgen, M. A., et al. (2017).
Elevated suicide rates among veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury: results from the Veterans Health Administration TBI screening program.
Kar, N. (2011).
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A review.
Koenig, H. G. (2006).
Ethical Issues in Combat Psychiatry.
Meert, K. L., et al. (2011).
Survivor guilt in bereaved relatives of patients who died in the intensive care unit.
Shay, J. (2014).
Moral Injury in Military Veterans.
Smith, T., et al. (2016).
Combat-related guilt and posttraumatic stress disorder in deployed military healthcare professionals: An exploratory study.
Sokol, Y., Gromatsky, et al. (2021).
The Deadly Gap: Understanding Suicide among Veterans Transitioning Out of the Military. Psychiatry Research, 300, 113875.
Vesely, C. K., et al. (2018).
Impact of deployment on military families with young children: A systematic review.
Vogt, D., et al. (2014).
Military Leaders' Perceptions of Mental Health Stigma and Their Willingness to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues.
2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. (2020).
About the author
Zeba Chogle, Subhead, PsyCreative column
Psychology committee, SDSOS, NMIMS.
Zeba is a 17 year old student of Applied Psychology in NMIMS, Vile Parle. Her favorite word is "buoyancy." To her, it means the ability to stay afloat even when all odds are against you; it means to maintain balance with grace and determination, it means to have an undeniable, stupid kind of faith that you'll never sink. She tries to follow these principles in everyday life. Although extremely creative and imaginative, she has also mastered the ability to remain rational and practical in situations that require it. In art and writing, she has found solace and comfort. In academia, she finds resolve and hope. She imagines herself perched on a tightrope, aiming to make it all the way through one day.
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