DITOR

LETTER TO THE E DITOR

Help available for veterans suffering ‘moral injuries’

To the editor: My 94-year-old grandfather and WWII veteran looked forward to participating in Memorial Day events this year. Maybe not every vet looks forward to the various events throughout the year because they are still experiencing a lot of inner pain and suffering due to the very difficult trauma of wartime.

Often we hear about PTSD associated with war, but have you heard the term “moral injury”? The National Center for PTSD defines moral injury as when in “traumatic or unusually stressful circumstances, people may perpetrate, fail to prevent or witness events that contradict deeply held moral beliefs and expectations...A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual’s values and moral beliefs…. Guilt, shame, disgust and anger are some of the hallmark reactions of moral injury….Another hallmark reaction to moral injury is an inability to self-forgive, and consequently engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors.”

If you connect with this definition or want to know more and you are still experiencing pain, guilt or sadness, would you consider reaching out and talking with someone about it? There are different people who may be able to assist you, like a family physician, or your local veterans association or by texting 838255 or calling 800-273-8255 and pressing 1 if you are a veteran where the responder will answer and ask you a few questions.

This responder will work with you to provide you assistance even if you do not have thoughts of suicide. You can decide how much you want to share. Please know there are people out there who care about you and that you are valued.

Amanda Myszka Edgar