Understanding PTSD and Moral Injury

This powerful and compassionate session is designed to help veterans, caregivers, and community members better understand the invisible wounds of service—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and moral injury. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. For many veterans, symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and sudden anger or fear. But not all wounds are rooted in fear—some are rooted in guilt, shame, or moral conflict. Moral injury refers to the internal suffering that results from acting (or failing to act) in ways that go against one’s deeply held values or moral beliefs. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, but it often coexists with PTSD, depression, and spiritual distress. In this session, we’ll: Break down the science of trauma and its effects on the brain Explore the unique experiences of military-related PTSD Define moral injury and how it differs from PTSD Highlight the emotional, relational, and spiritual impacts Offer hopeful paths to healing through peer connection, therapy, and community This workshop is open to all veterans, spouses, and supporters who want to understand the journey and walk beside those healing. Whether you're seeking support or looking to support others, this session offers education, connection, and hope.