Understanding Moral Injury in the Military: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
While much attention has rightfully been given to PTSD and combat trauma, there’s another deep, often overlooked wound many service members carry—moral injury. This invisible injury stems not from fear, but from guilt, shame, or betrayal tied to actions that conflict with a person’s core values or moral beliefs.
What Is Moral Injury?
Moral injury occurs when an individual:
Participates in, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that go against their deeply held values.
Feels betrayed by leadership or systems they once trusted.
Experiences remorse or guilt over actions taken during service, even if they were lawful or ordered.
It’s different from PTSD. While PTSD is rooted in fear-based trauma, moral injury is rooted in a crisis of conscience and identity. The result can be:
Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
Loss of trust in others or institutions
Social withdrawal
Spiritual distress
The Impact on Veterans and Active Duty Members
Service members pride themselves on honor, integrity, and duty. When these values are violated—whether through a split-second decision in combat, a command they regret, or witnessing something they couldn’t change—the emotional aftermath can be devastating.
Many carry these burdens in silence, believing no one will understand, or that their pain is a punishment they deserve.
But moral injury is not a character flaw—it's a natural human response to extraordinary circumstances. And healing is possible.
Mental Health Support for Moral Injury
The first step is recognizing that you are not alone, and support is available—without shame or judgment. Here are some pathways for help:
1. VA Mental Health Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs now recognizes moral injury as a distinct experience and provides:
Individual and group therapy
Chaplaincy services for spiritual and moral support
Specialized PTSD and trauma programs that address guilt, shame, and forgiveness
2. The Cohen Veterans Network
Offers evidence-based mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and their families—no need for a VA referral.
3. Headstrong Project
Free, confidential mental health care from trauma-informed therapists with experience in moral injury and combat-related challenges.
4. Give an Hour
Connects veterans with licensed professionals offering free therapy. Great for those outside the VA system or seeking privacy.
5. Peer Support & Moral Injury Groups
Many find healing in community—sharing their experiences with others who’ve walked the same road. Look for support groups at:
Local VA hospitals
Vet centers
Faith-based organizations
Reclaiming Your Story
Healing moral injury doesn’t mean forgetting or justifying the past. It means processing what happened, finding meaning, and reclaiming your self-worth. Mental health care provides the tools to help you do that—without erasing your service or sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
You may have been trained to put others before yourself. But seeking help is not selfish—it’s survival. It’s strength. And it may just open the door for someone else to step forward too.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s talk not just about trauma—but about healing, redemption, and the power of support.
You are not your worst moment. You are more than your pain. Help is here—reach for it.