A country that has been at war for quite some time now faces many challenges. And one of the most important is the psychological rehabilitation of soldiers who are directly involved in hostilities. In particular, it includes such a phenomenon as decompression of military personnel. This term refers to a set of measures aimed at adapting a person who has been in a combat zone to civilian life. Decompression is needed both for soldiers returning home for good and for those on short or long-term leave.
Military decompression: a historical perspective
The term “decompression” is relatively new, emerging in the second half of the 20th century, particularly during the Vietnam War. U.S. military personnel participating in this conflict, upon returning home, suffered from alcoholism, drug addiction, and often adopted an antisocial lifestyle, with a high rate of suicides. During those times, decompression was seen as a process to help soldiers reintegrate into peaceful life. It involved providing a specific place for rest and recovery, situated approximately midway between the theater of combat and the normal life of civilians. Since then, decompression has become a standard practice in NATO forces. In Ukraine, a similar practice began during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), but it gained more attention during the full-scale invasion by Russia. Today, it is an essential part of the National Program for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
Characteristics of Decompression:
The possibility of returning, even temporarily, to normal life is a dream for many military personnel. Therefore, they often rush to reunite with their families as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, experience shows that without proper preparation, this can lead to a range of psychological problems, including panic attacks, depression, and nervous breakdowns.
Decompression for military personnel is considered the primary stage of comprehensive psychological rehabilitation for those who have been in combat conditions. It is multi-faceted and includes the following elements:
- psychological diagnostics aimed at identifying existing problems;
- physiological and emotional unloading, restoring a sense of psychological security;
- re-adaptation to social norms and rules of civilian life (known as re-adaptation).
How Does Decompression Work?
Military decompression usually takes place in a secluded and calm location to which soldiers come from combat zones. Typically, this is a rehabilitation center or sanatorium located in a natural environment. Soldiers spend an average of 3-5 days there. During this time, they undergo sessions of psychological education, learn to relax, and release their emotions and stress. These sessions are mandatory and help eliminate stress hormones and regulate the functioning of the entire body. Additionally, for complete recovery during decompression, soldiers are provided with the opportunity for physical restoration. This includes quality sleep, outdoor walks, and nutritious and calorie-rich meals.
Often, military personnel perceive decompression as unnecessary and hasten to return home as soon as possible. The task of psychologists and unit leaders is not only to organize this process effectively but also to convince potential participants of its importance and necessity.
The experts at Molfa Hub have developed a decompression program that has proven effective in working with military personnel.