The PsyCreative Column

  Among 8.1 billion people there are a courageous lot who choose to sacrifice a major part of their life to serve their country. For many, however, the battle doesn’t stop once they get off the field, it plagues their mind for years and years to come. While a good way of reducing the effects of the mentioned plague i.e., the severe stress that one experiences at any stage of their military experience, is through therapy. An even better all-rounder factor, often overlooked that can prevent as well as reduce the effect is the companionship of a canine. While it is true that the relationship between military men and their canine companions is overlooked, it certainly isn’t a fresh topic, as this relationship has existed since the time dogs were introduced in the military, which dates back to the late 19 th century when the French started training dogs for rescue operations, communications, and transportation. This training officially brought dogs into thein the military as seen in t...

  A significant factor that sets humans apart from animals, is the notion of a civilised society. A society wherein the fundamental rights of an individual have been put across in a legally binding document. The most basic of which is the right to life, not just as an individual who lives and breathes, walks and talks, but as someone who doesn’t live in constant fear of death. The peace we exist in sources from our belief that these rights will be protected and safeguarded by the systems of which we are a part. These systems are made of complex webs and within this tapestry, which is frequently marred with red-tapism and corruption, lies the embodiment of our freedom- the soldiers of the nation, with their unwavering spirit and determination and their bravery to give their lives for the safety of the nation. However, this only depicts a more attractive and alluring side of their post. Being a soldier almost necessarily means having to face the possibility of death everyday, having ...

  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...

Saddam Hussein, a revolutionary member of  the Iraqi Ba’ath party aided in the radical political upheaval with the idea to create one powerful Arab state. A Sunni, soon to be a tyrant of a Shia majority state. As soon as the party rose to power and took over the government, they proved to the citizens that violence was the only way they’d use to remain in power. After being overthrown, they arose once again, this time with Hussein becoming the most powerful person in the government. (People lived in fear as he displayed his power by carrying out public displays of force and violence resulting in the deaths of many people.  He kept his security and inner circle close and only with those whom he could trust; anyone who opposed the Ba’athist party was terrorised and arrested.)  Iraq was a secular nation under Hussein’s regime, fighting against Iran’s religious revolution and the Shia majority, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, who aimed to spread the revolution to the 4 corners of ...

  When we think about soldiers, or more specifically, veterans, the most common and immediate thought that comes to mind is PTSD. Soldiers on the warfront suffer experiences most of us wouldn’t be able to imagine, and yes, it does impact them psychologically, again, in ways most of us wouldn’t be able to imagine. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in soldiers is given its due importance and more, in favor of the often overlooked ‘transition stress’ they experience during their transition to civilian life. Let’s not overlook it this time. Transition stress occurs when military veterans make the change from being a soldier, to going back to civilian life. This includes a loss of purpose and sense of identity, because the change between the structure of the military to the relatively chaotic ‘freedom’ of civilian life, is drastic. They face challenges in the form of difficulties in securing employment, reestablishing relationships with friends and family, and forming and sticking to a rou...