LIFE UNDER STRESS. DIFFICULTIES WHICH SOLDIERS CAN EXPERIENCE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER MILITARY OPERATIONS

Abstract

Soldiers preparing for missions abroad should cover both training for specific tasks and mental preparation for dealing with the stress overload. This article includes the overview of various stressful situations, which in different ways and with different strength may affect soldiers’ mental condition. Starting with everyday stressful situations, through stress which is triggered by the information about going on military mission abroad until combat stress, stress-related critical incidents and even stress connected with a return to their mother country and readaptation to family and professional roles. This overview presents how different reactions to stressful factors and situations grow and provides some information on how to minimise the consequences of experienced stress. It may serve as a basis for psychological training programs for soldiers going on missions abroad and for their families.