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.

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/

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/