Welcome to this week's podcast recap
In our latest episode, host Mike Turbyfill sits down with Marine Corps Veteran Major Jake Freedman to discuss the concept of moral injury. Unlike physical wounds, moral injury is rooted in the psychological and emotional scars left by actions or inactions that conflict with one's core values. Join us as we delve into this critical topic and explore Jake's insights and experiences.
What is Moral Injury?
In the podcast, Mike and Jake begin by defining moral injury. Jake explains that moral injury is essentially an emotional and psychological injury that stems from experiences that violate one's deeply held moral beliefs. These violations can be actions one has taken or failed to take, often in high-stakes situations like military service. The concept is explored in works like *Achilles in Vietnam* by Dr. Jonathan Shay, which overlays the Greek myth of Achilles with the experiences of Vietnam veterans. Jake shares a vivid example illustrating moral injury: Why does the memory of a starving child stay with a veteran more intensely than the memory of a fallen comrade? It's because the moral framework with which they live their lives is shattered, leading to prolonged psychological distress.
The Five Indexes of Moral Reasoning
Jake elaborates on Dr. Jonathan Haidt's six key foundations of moral reasoning:
1. Care vs. Harm: Focusing on providing care versus avoiding harm.
2. Fairness vs. Cheating: Striving for fairness versus merely avoiding cheating.
3. Loyalty vs. Betrayal: Being loyal versus avoiding betrayal.
4. Authority vs. Subversion(Referenced but not elaborated on)
5. Sanctity vs. Degradation(Referenced but not elaborated on)
6. Liberty vs. Oppression (Referenced but not elaborated on)
These indexes help explain why different actions have such a varied moral impact on individuals, shaping their responses to traumatic events.
A Personal Journey Through Moral Injury
Jake's personal journey is filled with complex experiences. Raised in a deeply religious Mormon family with values that venerate military service, the events of 9/11 propelled him and many others into military action. Jake chose to commission as an officer, serve his mission for the church, and then enter a trajectory marked by educational accomplishments and profound military service.
The Emotional Toll of Moral Injury
One of the significant themes in Jake's narrative is the emotional toll of moral injury on veterans. Jake vividly recounts incidents where seemingly small events, like certain smells, can trigger traumatic loops in his brain. These sensory triggers bring back horrific experiences, leading to disassociation and severe stress. Jake addresses the problem of feeling numb, which leads to risky behaviors in search of any form of emotional stimulation. This compartmentalization of traumatic events can be incredibly draining, both cognitively and emotionally.
Finding the Right Help
Throughout the conversation, both Mike and Jake stress the importance of finding the right kind of help. Jake shares his difficult journey of searching for effective therapy, encountering numerous therapists who were ill-equipped to handle his specific needs as a veteran. The right help came in the form of a Marine Corps gunny turned therapist who understood him and applied techniques like EMDR to address his trauma effectively. Jake advises caution when dealing with civilian therapists who may not understand the complexity of veteran trauma. Instead, he advocates for finding veteran therapists who can relate to and properly address these unique issues.
Future Aspirations
Looking to the future, Jake shares his aspiration to create intensive retreats where veterans can gather in a supportive environment to work through their experiences. These retreats would combine therapy with camaraderie, providing a structured way for veterans to share their stories and find healing. Jake's vision is to provide not just emotional support but also legal and social resources to help veterans navigate their post-military lives.
Conclusion
Moral injury is a profound and complex issue that affects many veterans long after their service has ended. Through compassionate conversation and expert insights, Mike Turbyfill and Major Jake Freedman shed light on this critical topic, offering hope and practical advice for those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. As we continue to explore these important themes, we stand by our mission: ensuring that no veteran or their family ever feels alone. For more information and resources, please reach out to the contacts provided in this episode’s show notes. Stay tuned for more powerful stories and insightful discussions on It's a Veteran's Life. Together, we can make a difference.
-Feel free to share your thoughts and connect with us on our social media platforms. If you are a veteran or know someone in need, don't hesitate to seek the support you deserve.
