Towards Liberating Nigerian Troops from the Clutches of PTSD
By Aremu Ebunoluwa
In the depths of silence, trauma often festers. Consider the story of one fictitious Sergeant Musa, a decorated officer who returned from the front lines of Nigeria’s insurgency-ravaged regions, carrying invisible wounds.
Despite his outward composure, Musa struggled with sleepless nights, haunting memories, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. His story, though personal, is a mirror reflecting the broader struggles of men of the Nigerian armed forces.
Trauma, particularly among military personnel, manifests in myriad ways. It can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), hypervigilance, emotional numbness, identity loss, and profound grief. These symptoms not only disrupt the lives of the affected individuals but also pose significant risks to their communities and the nation they serve.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines trauma as a “delayed or protracted response to a stressful event or situation…likely to cause pervasive distress in almost anyone.”
Renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud emphasized trauma’s power to breach the mind’s protective barriers, inflicting lasting psychological harm. The harsh realities faced by military personnel, such as combat exposure, loss of colleagues, and the constant threat of violence, often lead to severe psychological and emotional challenges.
Effective communication, therefore emerges as a critical tool in addressing and healing the deep-seated wounds of our military personnel. A poignant example comes from Nigeria’s former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who once revealed that her husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, endured years of PTSD following his civil war experiences and political detentions.
This revelation highlights the profound impact of trauma even on high-profile individuals with access to resources, prompting us to consider the plight of less visible military personnel. Communication plays a multifaceted role in trauma recovery.
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It creates safe spaces for expression, validates experiences, and fosters empathy. Trauma-informed communication methods, when integrated into military support services, address the unique needs of service members, promoting their well-being and resilience.
Research underscores the benefits of therapeutic conversation, which aids psychological and physical recovery during challenging times. Addressing trauma requires a comprehensive approach that includes effective communication, mental health services, and robust support systems.
Creating safe environments, practicing active listening, involving families and communities, and leveraging technology are crucial components of this approach. By prioritizing these strategies, we can enhance the quality of life for military personnel and support their transition to civilian life.
For military personnel, expressive communication—whether verbal, creative, or therapeutic—provides a vital avenue for processing traumatic experiences. Trauma-informed communication should be standard practice in organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare settings.
Building safe, trusting environments where military personnel can share their stories without fear of judgment is essential. Leaders and mental health professionals must prioritize confidentiality and respect individual boundaries, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the military community.
Adopting a strengths-based approach acknowledges the resilience of military personnel while addressing their vulnerabilities. Support services should offer a range of interventions, including mental health counseling, peer support groups, recreational therapy, and mindfulness practices, to meet the diverse needs of trauma survivors.
Continuous training on trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and communication skills ensures that all personnel interacting with survivors provide effective and compassionate support. In conclusion, the power of communication in healing trauma cannot be overstated.
Encouraging open, expressive communication within our homes and communities is crucial for supporting trauma survivors. By fostering environments of empathy and understanding, we honor the sacrifices of our armed forces and pave the way for their recovery and reintegration.
