A Soul Wound: Effects and Healing of Moral Injury

(Harobed Soul Health® / Harobed Institute)

For the everyday person, an event that inflicts moral injury hurts the soul. It may be killing, witnessing violence, or a moral transgression—particularly by a leader—being placed in a morally compromising situation, dehumanizing another person, torture, or rape.

As a spiritual and counseling clinician, I often encounter injuries of care responsibility. This happens when a person or family decides not to take on caregiving—sometimes from fear, incapacity, financial limitation, or self-interest. Whatever the reason, after a death or as the situation unfolds, one may feel guilt, shame, regret, or confusion. Beneath these emotions lies an inner wounding—a sense of responsibility for the outcome or silent pain from unspoken conflict. The struggle often comes when a decision feels incongruent with one’s values but fear or limitation made it unavoidable.

The Emotional and Spiritual Impact

Experiencing a moral injury—or inflicting one—is a heavy weight to bear. It can be filled with guilt, shame, conflict, or anger.An offender may use defense mechanisms such as projection or secrecy, even weaponizing intimidation to cause further pain.

Those injured may feel betrayed—by others, a system, or themselves.In the workplace, it might look like a healthcare worker holding in their anger toward a broken system that placed them in a compromising position, threatening a patient’s safety.

Emotionally, moral injury can lead to worthiness struggles, restlessness, isolation, and sadness, or more serious conditions such as sleep disturbance, eating disorders, PTSD, and—even—suicidal thoughts. It can shatter one’s sense of meaning and connection. A person may feel distant from who they believed they were or from the faith that once guided them.

Spiritually, one may experience conflict in belief, inner confusion about what faith teaches versus what was lived, or a sense of being less whole within one’s tradition.

Yet even in this moral and spiritual rupture, moral pain can also act as a radar—evidence of how deeply we care. The ache in the soul reveals a living moral compass. Conversely, the absence of sensitivity points to a seared conscience. Feeling pain or discomfort means the conscience is alive—proof of humanity and integrity, not evidence of unworthiness.

Healing Through Compassion and Connection

Recovery is a process of awareness, knowledge, and clarity.For the person of faith, theological and spiritual illumination rooted in truth is essential—alongside compassion and patience. The first step is understanding that an injury has occurred. Rather than burying feelings, find the courage to share your story with someone safe, trusted, and competent. Healing unfolds for both the injured and the one who inflicted harm.

While silence is a natural response, speaking openly begins the path forward. This may be through counseling, a bereavement or support group, a wise pastoral leader, or a trusted friend or elder.

Ways to support healing:

• Share the burden. Don’t carry moral pain alone.

• Seek competent understanding and clarity.

• Find healing through trusted leaders.

• Engage in rituals, prayer, or practices that align with your tradition and reaffirm your values—journaling, pastoral care, therapy, time in nature, or a simple meal with someone you trust.

  
  

Final Guidance

Making peace with what happened may mean self-forgiveness or simply gaining a truer perspective. Re-ground yourself in who you are, your core values, and moments when those values once felt clear. Participate in acts of reconciliation or service that affirm what matters most—penance, volunteering, or kindness—especially when paired with reflection and trusted therapeutic support.

Allow time and grace. Growth often emerges from pain.

Moral injury may be an unseen wound, but you do not have to be unseen on the journey of discovery and restoration. Bringing these hurts into the light, what feels broken can, indeed, be made whole again.

Deborah M. Jackson, MA, MDiv, BCC, PLPC