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Discover the hidden psychological wounds of moral injury and how they profoundly affect our service women. Unpack the foundational elements of moral injury that separate it from PTSD, and learn about the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those in the military. Inspired by the groundbreaking research of Jonathan Shay and others, this episode sheds light on the situations that often lead to moral injury, including betrayal by authority figures and the pressure of high-stakes decisions. Real stories from women veterans bring these discussions to life, offering an intimate look into the struggles and resilience required to navigate these challenges.

Meet Ellie, whose heartrending story of sexual assault and its aftermath sets the stage for a broader discussion on the mental health struggles faced by women in the military. From issues of trust and self-worth to symptoms like anxiety and depression, these narratives reveal the multifaceted impact of moral injuries and their lasting consequences. Through the experiences of women who have faced combat situations, hostile environments, and other violations, we confront the complex reality of moral injury, emphasizing the necessity for understanding and empathy.

Learn about the vital work being done by the Moral Injury Support Network for Service Women Incorporated in North Carolina, an organization dedicated to aiding service women in their recovery journeys. We discuss how community support, prevention, and education play a crucial role in healing, and how your contributions can sustain these efforts. With stories of strength and the promise of hope, this episode highlights the importance of addressing and supporting moral injury survivors through shared understanding and active support.

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Help Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. provide the support it needs to women veterans by donating to our cause at: https://misns.org/donation or send a check or money order to Moral Injury Support Network, 136 Sunset Drive, Robbins, NC 27325. Every amount helps and we are so grateful for your loving support. Thanks!

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Discover the emotional realities and valuable lessons from veteran caregiving with our guests, Shawn Moore and Natasha Swayze. In this episode, we highlight Shawn's transformative journey from founding Caregivers on the Homefront in 2017 to its evolution into Operation Frontline Families. Learn how Shawn and Natasha are revolutionizing support systems for military families, emphasizing the importance of mental health and youth-focused programs.

We delve into the heart-wrenching challenges caregivers face, particularly when caring for veterans with PTSD. Listen as we share personal stories and discuss the heavy burden and guilt that accompany caregiving duties. Explore the concept of moral injury and understand the frustration with care systems that often exclude caregivers. Our conversation also touches on the difficult choices military spouses must make, balancing their roles with their own well-being, and the essential role of setting boundaries.

Lastly, we shed light on the critical work of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Learn about the various initiatives designed to support caregivers, including self-care workshops, financial aid through the HOPE Fund, and the Hidden Helpers Coalition. Get inspired by their advocacy efforts and understand the significance of community and accessible resources in empowering caregivers. Don’t miss this episode packed with practical advice and moving stories that aim to make a meaningful impact on military families.

Operation Frontline Families and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Join Forces in Support of Military and Veteran Caregivers

Join us at the Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, September 16-19, 2024, Sandy Springs, GA

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What if the journey to recovery for servicewomen is more intricate than we thought? Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, a prominent authority on moral injury, as we uncover the deeply personal and unique experiences of female veterans dealing with moral injury. Through powerful storytelling, Dr. Brock illustrates the implicit biases that can hinder effective support, sharing a moving example of a veteran who, despite losing her legs, yearned to wear high heels. This episode shines a spotlight on the need to address gender-specific experiences to foster genuine healing and recovery.

Explore the profound impact of unresolved moral conflicts on one's conscience and how these can lead to moral distress and injury. Dr. Brock provides a nuanced differentiation between moral injury and PTSD, sparking a debate on whether moral injury should be medically diagnosed. We also delve into alternative cultural approaches to moral suffering and discuss protocols tailored for veterans that focus on acceptance and processing rather than attempting to erase the past. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of group support, as highlighted by a pilot program for female veterans, and how it adapted during the pandemic to continue aiding those in need.

Gain insights into the pioneering work of the Soul Repair Center and its diverse, religiously-informed approaches to moral injury and recovery. We discuss the center's comprehensive program for professionals and share stories that underline the complexities of moral injury. From the transformative journey of a chaplain at a psychiatric hospital to the life-long influence of compassionate religious leaders, this episode is a testament to the resilience and profound change that can come from addressing moral injury. Don't miss out on our preview of the upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, featuring an array of exceptional speakers and the invaluable contributions of Dr. Brock and Volunteers of America.

Find out about Volunteers of America.

Learn about the 2024 Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference

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