Moral Injury: Why it matters and what we can do

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 21
FAIRFIELD CENTER, 200 MAIN, MEEKER

MEEKER | Moral injury, a term that makes many of us tilt our heads in curiosity, is
a surprisingly important topic within our community. Scott Hogue, the
Chaplain at HopeWest, is hosting an open seminar on this subject, and
here’s why it matters.
Moral injury occurs when something happens that makes you feel like
you’ve gone against your moral code or who you thought you were. It’s
not limited to the military; it affects medical professionals, police,
firefighters, teachers, and others. The danger of moral injury lies in its
potential to lead to isolation and, tragically, even suicide. What sets it
apart from other forms of trauma is that it’s not about fear but about a
profound sense of moral or self-betrayal.
During the seminar, various aspects of moral injury will be explored,
including its definition, history, impact on individuals and the
community, and ways to support those who experience it. These topics
are important because they hit close to home.
Nationally, more veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have
taken their own lives than have died in combat. Locally, the VA Hospital
is recruiting additional social workers to help veterans cope with the
challenges they face. The experiences of medical workers during the
COVID-19 pandemic have also brought the issue of moral injury to the
forefront.

So, what can we, as a community, do to assist those grappling with
moral injury?

Simply being a good listener can make a noticeable difference.
Sometimes, all someone needs is a non-judgmental ear. Encourage
them to share their experiences in their own time and words.
Also consider the power of rituals. These can be traditional, like
confession and forgiveness, or non-traditional, like art therapy or
equine therapy. Such rituals can lead to healing and help individuals
reconnect with the community.
We can also allocate resources and offer training. This means making
sure help is available when needed, while also educating ourselves and
others about moral injury.
In the end, moral injury isn’t just the problem of the person going
through it. It’s a shared responsibility within our community because
we all play a role in how events unfold. We sent people to war, provided
them with training, and offered our prayers. So, it’s our responsibility to
help them heal when they return home.
As an Army psychologist named John Rigg wisely said, “Medication
doesn’t fix this stuff.” Instead, therapists focus on helping people
navigate the feelings that they’ve done something wrong, but also
realize that it doesn’t have to define their whole life.

The Moral Injury Seminar with Scott Hogue is a chance for our
community to better understand moral injury and learn how to support
those affected by it. This seminar takes place on Oct. 21, from
11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Fairfield Center in Meeker, Colorado.