Moral Injury Vs Spiritual Injury
I have been in the trauma healing process for over 20 years and until just recently we did not have a name to identify the problems. Today, I’ll be discussing the differences and similarities between two common types of trauma – Moral Injury and Spiritual Injury. On the surface these may appear to be the same trauma experience as the presentation of the symptoms from the trauma are very similar; however, they are actually very different in how the trauma occurs to you.
Moral Injury
Moral injury is more widely known due to its association with Veterans and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, but moral injury can occur to anyone, not just members of the military.
A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual's values and moral beliefs. Moral injuries happen when harm is caused to others. The harm caused can range from psychological abuse to neglecting personal responsibilities, to actually taking the life of another human or even an animal.
Moral injuries arise from feeling like you know better, however, you have let yourself or others down by not being able to adhere to your domesticated personal beliefs and the values that were passed down through the family traditions and expectations of others.
The feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse tend to follow in the aftermath of the injuries. You may begin to view yourself differently than you did before – feelings of shame that cause you to feel as if you are not good enough. As your mind attempts to make peace with your actions, you may find yourself unable to find the peace you are seeking. You may reach for people, places, and things in an attempt to feel better about yourself, drown out the voices in your head, but mostly to stop the pain of living.
As the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse take hold of your personal self-image, you may begin to act in ways that depict low self-esteem. You may feel like a failure. As you emit these frequencies into the universe, through actions and behavior, your personality may change. You may view yourself as helpless and powerless. Before long, you may become overwhelmed by the clash between your beliefs and values resulting in anguish as you attempt to reconcile your behavior or the behavior of others regarding the injury (Coach B. Von, The Energy Harvest: A Spiritual Model for the Enhancement of Your Life).
Soon you become willing to do anything to quiet the voice that reminds you that you are stupid, you are worthless, you will never be good enough, you know better, you were not raised like this, or some version of self-rejection and negative self-talk. The feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness are sometimes enough to want to end it all (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
But, Friend, there is hope! Accepting that you are human is the only means of making peace with the moral injury. Remind yourself that:
You are not perfect.
You cannot change what has already happened.
Forgiveness of self is the antidote to moral injury.
Spiritual or Soul Injury
A spiritual injury occurs as the result of enduring mental, emotional, and physical injuries, or neglect. Typically, these types of injuries occur in the early childhood stages of life where the underdeveloped mind is forced to make sense of or reconcile the injury. In my case, reconciling that my father is the perpetrator was the most difficult part. On many days, I could not believe that he could be my father.
Spiritual injuries can also span a long period of time, existing undetected under the surface (Coach B. Von, Self-Assessment). Feelings of Anger, Fear, and Resentment may arise as you begin to accept that you were injured and, often, injured by someone that you loved most.
Do you identify with any of the following scenarios?
Spiritual injuries may leave you feeling like you are not enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not strong enough. If someone tells you that you are not smart, pretty, or strong – do not believe them!
Some are victims of sexual assault, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, bullying, abuse, or neglect – you may have developed strange mannerisms as your mind attempts to ensure you will not experience any further harm. Hyper vigilance is a form of trauma response the often, causes the injured person to withdraw emotionally, mentally, and often physically; in the pursuit of safety, even though the perceived threat is not impending.
Spiritual injuries come in an array of situations, circumstances, and events. Some wounds may result after experiencing heartache, loss of personal health, death of a loved one, or divorce. It is best not to compare your trauma with that of another individual. What you have experienced is personal and comparison only leaves you feeling more alone.
Racism and watching brutality and death in the media may cause you to experience spiritual and moral injuries as you watch in disbelief, these types of scenarios unfold. Additionally, Veterans, first responders, or healthcare workers who have faced serious illness and death often endure spiritual injuries. A heightened sense of chaos, loss, and long-term impact caused by the COVID pandemic has resulted in a global spiritual injury.
Friend, remember:
You are not responsible for your moral or spiritual injuries. However, you are responsible for your healing of the trauma related to the injury.
Although you may be justified in your feelings of anger and resentment, to find peace, you must release the need to blame others.
You must face your feelings of pain, anguish, fear, resentment, mental contradiction in order to heal your wounds.
Recovery from Spiritual and Moral Injuries
While recovery will look different for everyone, I’m here to tell you that you too can survive and thrive after experiencing trauma caused by Spiritual and Moral Injuries. And, while the road may not be easy, it is so worth the journey to have peace and healing.
Here are a few tips on HOW to recover from Spiritual and Moral Injuries:
Each morning upon arising please give thanks for the new day and all of the wonderful opportunities tucked into the day.
Read a meditation that will shape your thoughts for the day and provide strength throughout your day.
Set your intention to have a positive and healthy day!
Begin by looking into the mirror and telling yourself:
I am worthy!
I am equipped and prepared for this day!
I will not take anything personal today!
Set your intentions:
My words for today will be impeccable, and I will do my best in all aspects of my day!
I will express gratitude and seek a positive perspective in all areas of my life!
I am blessed to be a blessing!
In Divine Alignment,
Your Coach B. Von Squires
Take Action to Begin Healing Today!
Coach B. Von has the ability to guide you from injury to invincible as you learn to identify and navigate your feelings, heal your trauma, correct your belief system, and rejuvenate your spirit. Just complete the Client Information Form to get started today!
