174: Moral Injury

Talk Back to Me

While medication has focused on treating the physical injuries that can contribute to PTSD, it remains ill equipped to address moral injuries one may encounter in war. Beyond the stigma placed on military veterans, and a cruel incentive program directed at their mental health, the idea of PTSD, when reduced to merely physiological responses to trauma, only looks at half the problem.

A moral injury is defined as "When one feels they have violated their conscience or moral compass when they take part in or fail to prevent an act that disobeys their own moral values or personal principles," by the DAV (Disabled American Vets) or as "When someone does something that goes against their beliefs this is often referred to as an act of commission and when they fail to do something in line with their beliefs that is often referred to as an act of omission. Individuals may also experience betrayal from leadership, others in positions of power or peers that can result in adverse outcomes (2). Moral injury is the distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to such events (3). A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual's values and moral beliefs." according to Sonya Norman and Shinra Maguen for the VA. 

The effects of moral injuries can be mitigated by individuals with a strong understanding of their moral foundation, and a dedication to it that surpasses their circumstances. 

What does this look like in practice? Listen in. 

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