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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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Can trauma from a single event create a lasting moral injury or PTSD? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Annette Hill, a licensed professional counselor and EMDR certified therapist whose dedication to trauma treatment is both professional and deeply personal. Annette shares her remarkable journey from her influential role in the Lifebook program for foster children to her creation of the Journey of Me curriculum. Her heartfelt commitment to veterans is evident through her long-term involvement with Operation Freedom Bird, and as a Gold Star mother, she brings a unique and profound perspective to her work.

Our conversation dives deep into the complexities of moral injury and its distinct impact on mental health, particularly among those in high-stress professions like the military, law enforcement, and emergency response. Annette helps us understand the nuanced differences between moral injury, PTSD, and unresolved grief. We discuss the importance of personalized treatment approaches, highlighting effective techniques such as EMDR for PTSD and the necessity of engaging with an individual's spiritual and ethical core to address moral injury. Through Annette's expert insights, we underscore the critical role of empathetic listening and the adaptation of therapeutic methods to best support those suffering from these complex forms of trauma.

As we look ahead to our upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference, we touch on the excitement surrounding innovative therapeutic techniques and the gut-brain connection. Annette's contributions and keynote speech promise to add invaluable depth to the event. We discuss the importance of diverse treatment modalities, community partnerships, and overcoming organizational barriers to enhance mental health care for veterans and first responders. Join us for this enriching episode filled with practical strategies, transformative experiences, and a heartfelt dedication to supporting veterans on their healing journeys.

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Discover the profound connections between early childhood trauma and long-term well-being with Dr. Shanta Dubé, a trailblazer from the CDC Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, who graces our podcast with her extensive knowledge. Delving into the ACE study's revelations, we learn how these experiences shape not just physical and mental health, but also spiritual development, highlighting the concept of moral injury and its pervasive influence. Dr. Dubé shares anecdotes from her personal encounters with individuals in recovery, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of trauma, spirituality, and healing. Her insights promise to enlighten those curious about the lasting imprints of childhood experiences on our lives.

This episode also throws light on the delicate art of implementing trauma-informed care within structured environments like the military. We tackle the complexities of supporting growth and resilience within training that is inherently demanding, discussing the delicate balance military leaders must strike. The power of technology, specifically cell phone apps, is not overlooked as we discuss their role in extending support and collecting vital data for public health. The excitement around the upcoming Comprehensive Moral Injury Conference is palpable as I prepare to contribute to the conversation about the universal impact of ACEs, anticipating the opportunity to learn, network, and bring back valuable insights to our audience.

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When the weight of choice teeters between life and death, how does one find grounding in their decisions? Dr. Sarah Archer's voice trembles with the raw emotion of her time in Rwanda, post-genocide, as she maps the treacherous terrain of moral injury for us. Her candid recollection of reverse triage, the emotional toll it exacted, and her quest for solace through faith and service reverberate through the episode, offering a stark, humane look at the cost of crisis.

Our journey doesn't end there; we cross paths with a resilient 80-year-old former public health nurse who exemplifies the power of service and the potency of self-forgiveness. Her commitment to educating the next generation in public health, interwoven with personal redemption, unveils the silent battles many face as they transition from military to civilian life. As we dissect the complex web of social determinants of health and their role in moral injury, especially among veterans, we're reminded of the stark realities and the need for community and understanding.

Finally, we extend an open-hearted invitation to the upcoming retreat centered on addressing moral injury, discussing the poignant insights from a seasoned special operator. The conversation beckons leaders and those in service to join in solidarity to forge pathways of healing and to better support those carrying the unseen wounds of their professions. This episode is a call to arms for empathy, collaboration, and shared learning in our collective quest to alleviate the burden of moral injury.

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We are joined by Tiffany Marchink, a brave military veteran who reveals a dark side of the military that is often shrouded in silence: moral injury and military sexual trauma. Tiffany's personal narrative powerfully illustrates how systemic issues within military institutions can lead to severe emotional trauma. She shares her unforgettable journey of navigating a system that often prioritizes the career of a senior NCO over the wellbeing of victims, illuminating the harsh reality of feeling unsupported and alone in a place one calls home.

Did you know that moral injury can occur unbeknownst to the individual? Our conversation explores this insidious form of trauma that is not exclusive to any gender and can be caused by institutions, policies, and regulations. We discuss the emotional toll that victims endure when they must repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences. At the same time, we unpack the profound impact of family relationships on the recovery process and delve into the struggle of regaining trust and healing after sexual assault.

Today, we strive to bring attention to the pressing need for change within the military. We underscore the importance of believing survivors and the significant impact our reactions can have on victims. Are our military institutions prioritizing unit deployment over holding senior leaders accountable? Tiffany's story highlights the importance of better leadership education, more supportive environments, and the need for improvements in the military's handling of sexual assault cases. Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Tiffany's resilience and willingness to share her story is a beacon of hope and a call for action.

**Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains discussions of military sexual trauma, which may include explicit descriptions and personal accounts of sensitive and distressing experiences. Listener discretion is advised, and please prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of military sexual trauma, please seek professional support or call a helpline for assistance.**

Learn more about Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. and sign up for our newsletter at: https://misns.org.
Get to know our team: https://misns.org/about-us/
Find out about our upcoming conference at: https://misns.org/cmic
Donate to our cause: https://misns.org/donation/

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Are you ready to unravel the depths of moral injury? Join us as we delve into this profound topic with our esteemed guest Dr Amanda Yeck. Together we'll explore a realm of suffering that affects us biologically, psychosocially, and spiritually. We'll take a leap into the comparison of moral injury and PTSD, unmasking the unique characteristics and challenges of each.

Our discussion will unfold the trials experienced by veterans, who often face grief and loss at a far younger age than their civilian counterparts. We'll shed light on the disparity between veterans and civilians, and how well-intentioned expressions of gratitude can sometimes aggravate the pain. We'll also navigate the complexities of measuring resilience, post-traumatic growth, and self-worth in the context of forgiveness.

As our conversation progresses, we'll explore the concept of forgiveness. We'll debunk myths surrounding it, and emphasize the need for self-understanding in order to truly forgive. We'll also tackle the struggle veterans endure when reconciling responsibility in cases of erroneous intelligence. Our discourse concludes on a buoyant note, underscoring the significance of making sense of our experiences, reconnecting with our values, and the liberating power of self-forgiveness. So, regardless of whether you're a veteran, a family member, or anyone grappling with moral injury, tune in to find hope and a pathway towards healing.

Dr. Yeck is a psychologist, but not your psychologist. Don't take this as medical advice. This is meant to point you in a direction as you get a psychologist in your own area.

Learn more about Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc. and sign up for our newsletter at: https://misns.org.
Get to know our team: https://misns.org/about-us/
Find out about our upcoming conference at: https://misns.org/cmic
Donate to our cause: https://misns.org/donation/

Support the show