Combat PTSD and the Not So New Moral Injury

Why distinguishing a moral injury from PTSD is important

Moral injury is a nebulous term that few use seriously because it doesn't read well on Veterans Affairs claims. It's a new term but not a new concept. Moral injury is as timeless as war — going back to when Ajax thrust himself upon his sword on the shores of Troy. Unlike post-traumatic stress, which is a result of a fear-conditioned response, moral injury is a feeling of existential disorientation that manifests as intense guilt.

It is a very well written, important article however, it is not a new term. It is what was discovered many years ago and it came from studying Vietnam veterans.

Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character
Paperback – October 1, 1995
by Jonathan Shay (Author)

Then again, there was another book the moral impact of war was reported. It is called the Bible and it is in the Psalms especially with the struggles of King David.

Psalm 13
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

There are many more.