Welcome back to the blog. Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that doesn't get as much attention as PTSD but is just as impactful: moral injury. This condition often occurs alongside PTSD but comes from different experiences—those that clash deeply with your moral beliefs. It can affect anyone but is common amongst veterans and emergency service workers particularly following covid.
What is Moral Injury?
Moral injury might happen when you've had to make decisions or witness actions that deeply violate your personal ethical code, perhaps during your time in combat or in intense workplace situations. This isn't about fear from life-threatening dangers; it's about dealing with guilt, shame, and a sense of betrayal, perhaps from leaders you once trusted. These feelings can be confusing and deeply distressing, making you question your sense of right and wrong.
How Moral Injury Manifests in Your Life
If you're struggling with moral injury, you might find yourself haunted by remorse or stuck in a loop of negative self-judgment. It can strain your relationships, affect your job, and make it tough to feel good about yourself. You may find yourself questioning your life’s purpose or feeling unworthy, which can lead to depression or anxiety. You may find yourself ruminating and feeling continuously angry over a betrayal by others.
The Role of Memory in Moral Injury
Just like with PTSD, your memories play a big role in moral injury. You might find yourself replaying the moments that hurt you, but your mind keeps focusing on certain parts, not the whole picture. This selective memory can make your feelings of guilt or shame even worse because you're not getting the full context of what happened. It may be that you are remembering it all but struggling to accept it, feeling like if you stop thinking about the event it will pass without you or others being held accountable.
How Therapy Can Help You Heal
Healing from moral injury isn't a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a careful approach, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be really effective. Here’s what therapy might look like:
Narrative Exposure: You'll be encouraged to share your story, which can help you see the events that hurt you in a new light and place them within the larger story of your life.
Values Reassessment: Therapy can help you examine and realign your actions with your values, which is key to feeling whole again.
Compassion-Focused Therapy: This approach is all about cultivating self-compassion, reducing self-criticism, and helping you connect with others, which can be transformative in healing moral injuries.
If You’re Feeling the Weight of Moral Injury
Recognizing these feelings in yourself can be tough, and talking about them even tougher. But if any of this sounds like what you’re going through, it's important to reach out for help. Healing begins with treating the emotional wounds, not just pushing them aside. Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a step towards regaining your inner strength and peace.
We’ll keep exploring mental health topics, focusing on both the challenges and the recovery paths. Stay tuned for more insights and support. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
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