PTSD in Vietnam Vets
Emotional Effects of War on Soldiers
Soldiers are in sincere service of the nation. Does war affect their state of mind? How do wars affect their emotions? Read on to know the emotional effects of war on soldiers.
"Will he ever find peace here on this earth?
Before death’s fingers encircle his throat
Or will peace remain just beyond his girth
Abandoning him eternally to a land remote" -
Nancy L. Meek, in the poem ‘The Sacrifice’
The poet briefly describes the state of mind of a soldier on returning from a war. War is a manifestation of death and destruction. It is an exhibit of all the negativities of life. A war is the result of the lack of peace and ends in leaving no one happy. Wars deeply impact all the nations involved in it. They affect the nations’ economy and the life of its citizens. If a war can severely impact the countries at war, it surely has a grave impact on those who are on the forefront during the times of war.
It is sure to severely affect the true warriors, the soldiers who stake their lives to guard their motherland. Wars not only affect the soldiers’ life but also result in serious emotional effects on the soldiers of war. Wars stir their emotions; they affect their lives and impact their states of mind.
Emotional Effects of War on Soldiers
Many times it so happens that the soldiers have to physically hurt or kill their opponent soldiers. Circumstances force them to end someone’s life. This act of theirs’ brings them deep sorrow. True, the soldiers face their enemy nation, that they are supposed to destroy the hostile forces, but after all, enemies are humans. Though an opposing nation, they are after all human beings from regions across the border. Witnessing deaths becomes an almost everyday incident for soldiers at war. They have to bear the grief of the suffering and deaths of their fellow mates as well. Such situations definitely have a depressing effect on soldiers. Death is bound to disturb the soldiers and deprive them of peace of mind.
While being surrounded by sorrow, soldiers often remember their happy days, their yester years at school and college. The memories of happier days become painful. Moreover they are away from their home and families. The memories of their loved ones grieve their hearts. The soldiers often feel like reaching out to their near ones and sharing their grief with them but their duty towards their nation deprives them of these opportunities. While guarding the borders of the country day and night, while being away from their near ones, they are deprived of the all the little joys in their family. There is no certainty that they will return home when they want; they are unsure about whether they will be able to be with their families when their families need them. The deaths the soldiers face, the sufferings they closely witness add to their emotional crisis.
This constant emotional struggle results in severe mental stress. The undulating emotions that the soldiers have to go through, result in great mental strain. Reportedly, many soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The post-traumatic disorder is characterized by symptoms like nightmares; feelings of detachment, irritability, sleeplessness and difficulties in concentrating. Their homesickness can lead to intense feelings of solitude. Their trauma brings them mental insecurity. The violence, the injuries and the heavy destructions result in distress.
Insufficient care or concern and the lack of heed towards the soldiers, worsens their mental health. The emotional effects aggravate due to lack of proper medical care and support. It is the nation’s responsibility to take care of its soldiers and the moral responsibility of the inhabitants of the county to realize the value of their service to the nation. Suitable medical support should be extended to the soldiers to help alleviate their pain.
Our soldiers have marched to the boundaries of our nation to serve our motherland. We can at least take a small step forward to help them cope with their afflictions.
By Manali Oak
Published: 8/20/2008
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