Fighting is a natural part of our history as human beings. As our civilization has progressed, the ways we fight have changed, but they have never disappeared.
With the rise of technology, even in the area of military weapons, combat has become more sophisticated. The use of drones to target enemies is a good example of this.
However, as our world becomes increasingly interconnected and we find ourselves in periods of heightened tensions and conflict, it is important that we do not forget the psychological and physiological elements of combat.
Combat can arise either in wartime situations or in situations where there is no formal declaration of war. These situations can be domestic (between groups within a country) or external (between countries).
This article will discuss the psychological and physiological aspects of combat that apply to both war and peace contexts. This article will also discuss how to mitigate these effects on you so that you can return to normal after a conflict.
Psychological reactions to combat
A significant number of people experience psychological reactions to combat. For example, up to 20% of veterans who have experienced combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These symptoms can include nightmares and flashbacks, feeling emotionally numb (detachment), being on guard or afraid, and feeling depressed or hopeless.
Other people may experience emotional upset, irritability, and insomnia without having experienced a traumatic event. These symptoms are known as combat stress reaction.
Combat stress reaction is much more common than PTSD and tends to go away after the person has left the battlefield. PTSD is a more persistent condition that can interfere with daily life. People with PTSD often relive their experience through nightmares and daytime flashbacks. They also often feel emotionally numb, which can make it harder to feel happiness or enjoy things that they used to enjoy. Depression and/or anxiety are also common symptoms.
The “fog of war”
A significant element in the psychology of combat is what’s often called the “fog of war.” This is a term that came into popular use in the early 2000s, thanks to a book by Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert.
Combat is chaotic, and experience tells us that under chaos, our innate fears and anxieties rise to the surface. Under combat conditions, things like memory, attention, communication, and other basic functions suffer.
Part of this has to do with something called stress response syndrome (SRS). It’s a whole constellation of physiological responses your body has to perceived threats: increased heart rate and blood pressure; restricted blood flow in some parts of the body (like fingers and toes) while increased blood flow in others (like face and neck veins); release of certain hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline); etc.
The problem with SRS is that it primarily affects parts of the body that are essential for survival (e.g., shutting down circulation in less vital parts of the body to focus on vital ones).
Learning from battle
A fighter’s experience, or lack of experience, can play a large part in their ability to manage the physiological and psychological components of combat.
Those with limited experience are more likely to be distracted by stimuli, fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions that can hinder their ability to fight effectively.
Those with more experience will likely have a better understanding of the demands of combat and how to control themselves in the midst of it. They will also have a higher level of confidence in their skills which helps reduce anxiety.
More experienced fighters also have an easier time separating what is real and what is not in a conflict. They are able to assess situations more accurately which helps them respond appropriately.
That said, even highly experienced fighters can suffer from emotional distress after combat. Feld explains that this is because people have different levels of what he calls ‘emotional fitness’.
Treatment for trauma
Although trauma can be treated, it is important to note that trauma treatment can take a long time. There are two main types of treatment: psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy involves talking about the trauma with a trained professional. This can be done in person or via phone or computer. It involves revisiting the trauma as the professional asks you questions and you discuss your experiences.
There are several different types of psychotherapy that can help with PTSD, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Medication may be prescribed to help with symptoms such as nightmares or sleep disturbances, anxiety, or depression. Only physicians and psychiatrists may prescribe medication, however.
Understanding the effects of combat
Combat affects everyone who experiences it differently. Some people may experience little to no effects, while others may experience debilitating effects for the rest of their lives.
Combat can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These include anxiety, nervousness, constant alertness, tense muscles, sleeping problems, nightmares and avoidance of situations that remind you of the trauma.
People who have experienced combat often describe a feeling of emptiness or lack of emotion. This is referred to as an emotional anesthesia.
The psychologist and war veteran Elias Holman describes it like this: “It’s like you had a heart before you went to war, but then you put on a bulletproof vest that saps all of your emotions. You can be doing awful things — but you don’t feel anything.
Seeking help for trauma
While trauma can be treated with therapy, therapy can take a long time. This is because trauma needs to be processed fully before you can move on.
Many people who experience trauma never seek help, but instead try to ignore it or cover it up. This may cause further issues down the road.
There are a number of therapists you can see for help, including psychotherapists or psychiatrists. Psychotherapists are generally counselors or psychologists, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who have additional training in talking medicine.
Both can be very helpful in treating PTSD. Psychologists and psychiatrists are different, but both can treat PTSD.
Therapy costs money, but many health insurance plans cover some of the cost of visits to psychotherapy and psychiatry visits. Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and what isn’t.
PTSD and veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common concern among veterans. PTSD can be triggered by anything from social situations to sights and sounds.
Many veterans struggle with nightmares and night sweats, which can be attributed to PTSD. Relationships can be strained as a result of the lack of trust for others caused by PTSD.
Other symptoms include anxiety and avoidance behavior. Those with PTSD tend to avoid situations that may trigger memories of the trauma they experienced. They may also become very anxious or stressed easily due to the constant fear that something similar may happen again.
The good news is that treatment for PTSD is available. Therapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes can help those who have suffered due to this disorder. Veterans are able to receive help through VA doctors.
Understanding victims of violence
Victims of violence and trauma require just as much, if not more attention than perpetrators. Many people assume that victims will simply recover after a traumatic event, but this is far from the truth.
Many victims experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and more.
Those who have experienced violence or trauma may need help coping and re-establishing a sense of safety. While psychologists and other experts can provide treatment, the most important aspect may be the support of others.
Providing victims with a supportive community can help aid in their recovery. For example, giving victims the opportunity to talk about their experiences with others who have suffered similar things can help them process what has happened to them.
They may also benefit from engaging in activities that bring them happiness to start feeling happier again.
