6 Ways War Affects a Soldiers Mind
4. Asocial behavior
Due to the several effects on a soldier’s mind due to war, they become asocial in behavior. They tend to avoid social interactions and intimacy because of many reasons. They avoid crowded places like parties, picnics, gatherings and get-togethers because of the loud noises there which remind them of people screaming, gunshots and bombings during wartime. They also avoid physical intimacy and romantic relationships because they find it difficult to get close to anyone after seeing close friends and colleagues die helplessly in front of their eyes. They fear that should a similar fate befall upon someone they love, they would not be able to bear it any more. Thus, they avoid socializing totally.
5. Acute depression
The several traumas, shocks and frights witnessed and experienced by soldiers during war make them incapable to be able to cope with their thoughts and feelings. They become weak psychologically and become prone to depression. They often take to drugs and alcohol due to this, thereby aggravating their problems. With proper care, behavioral therapy and psychological counseling, these symptoms and eventual depression may, however, be overcome.
6. Suicidal tendencies
Sad but true, those who fight so that the rest of us stay safe, eventually decide that life is not worth living. The horrors of war sometimes get the better of some soldiers driving them from shock to madness and ultimately suicide. Suicidal tendencies have been seen in many wartime soldiers as they find it difficult to come to terms with the horrors they have witnessed. Like depression, this too can be overcome with adequate professional help.
