Soldiers and Disassociation: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Impact
The term disassociation in the context of soldiers refers to a form of psychological disconnection that occurs during combat. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways and is a critical aspect of understanding the psychological strains faced by military personnel.
Understanding Disassociation
Disassociation is a condition characterized by a disconnection from one’s personal identity, surroundings, or experiences. In combat, soldiers may experience moments of disassociation where they feel detached from reality or from the immediate situation. This can be accompanied by a sense of unreality or a detachment from emotions and physical sensations.
Personal Experiences of Disassociation
One soldier recalls a disassociative experience during a night patrol on a mountain top. While gazing into infinity, he suddenly found himself observing himself from a vantage point approximately 90 feet above. This disassociation lasted for about 4 seconds, during which he retained a sense of self-awareness but was not fully engaged in reality.
Another soldier, a 3rd Nam tour Marine, experienced a similar phenomenon in a firefight. During a battle in an area known as Apache country, near the Da Nang perimeter in a graveyard, he found himself seeing the squad from a bird's-eye view, issuing orders based on this perspective. This altered state of consciousness lasted for about 30 seconds and proved effective in preventing the squad from being overrun.
The Varieties of Disassociation
Disassociation in combat can occur in various forms and can have varying outcomes. Some individuals may fully recover their sense of reality, while others may struggle to regain control. This condition has various names, including shell shock and the 2000-yard stare. These terms all describe a range of psychological responses to the intense and traumatic experiences of combat.
Survivors and Non-Survivors
The impact of disassociation can be profound. While some soldiers may manage to recover from these experiences, others may struggle to reintegrate into their pre-combat roles. The severity and duration of disassociation can significantly influence an individual's long-term mental health and well-being.
Other Examples of Extreme Mental States in Combat
While the term dissociation is related, it is often confused with disassociation. Other soldiers have recounted experiences where even the simplest tasks, such as cooking eggs in a helmet, required immense mental resilience. A soldier described how, while stationed in a foxhole under heavy fire from 88mm rounds, he was able to maintain composure and cook scrambled eggs in his helmet just a few days later.
These extreme mental states highlight the resilience and adaptability of the human mind in the face of overwhelming stress and trauma. Understanding and addressing these phenomena is crucial for the mental health and well-being of military personnel.
Conclusion
The experiences of soldiers during combat demonstrate the complex and often profound impacts of disassociation. By recognizing and understanding this phenomenon, we can better support those who have faced and continue to face the challenges of combat trauma. Further research and support are necessary to ensure that military personnel can fully recover and thrive both physically and psychologically.