The Silent Battle: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Soldiers
The battle does not end when someone wins or loses; the war never ends. A soldier keeps on battling with himself. When a war ends, soldiers receive national honors, awards, and another thing: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a life-threatening mental problem.
The Toll of War
During their time in the war, soldiers are subjected to severe stress and trauma. The nature of combat exposes soldiers to potentially lethal situations, horrors, and the loss of colleagues in arms.
The intensity and frequency of such traumatic situations can be overwhelming, leading to the development of PTSD. Soldiers are often exposed to constant risk, uncertainty, and the pressure to make tough life choices quickly, all of which can have grave psychological consequences.
The Pain of Taking Lives
Taking lives in the line of duty is one component that adds to the burden warriors bear. Killing another human being is naturally against most people’s nature and moral compass. On the contrary, soldiers are taught to follow orders and defend their teammates, even if it implies killing an enemy combatant.
This contradiction can cause internal turmoil, which can linger long after the struggle is over. As they battle with the ethical and emotional ramifications of their acts, the burden of murdering weighs hard on their conscience.
Living with Chronic Pain
It badly affects the mental health of a soldier and his overall well-being. The harsh memories, nightmares, and glimpses of such events remain with the soldiers throughout their lives. The mental rage and shame they feel can affect their relationships, cause social isolation, and make it tough for them to return to normal lives.
Anxiety, sadness, substance misuse, and even suicidal thoughts can result from the ongoing conflict within their heads.
Conclusion
The impact of PTSD on soldiers is an unavoidable truth. The specific circumstances of combat, combined with the agony of taking lives, all lead to the emergence of this crippling disorder. Soldiers suffering from PTSD frequently shoulder the burden in silence, grappling with the memories and feelings long after their duty has finished. Our common responsibility is to provide them with the resources and help they require to heal and rebuild their lives.
Let us remember their sacrifices on the battlefield and through recognizing and treating their invisible wounds.