Moral injury is the damage done to an individuals conscience or moral compass when they perpetrate, witness, or fail to prevent acts that transgress their own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct. It produces profound feelings of guilt, shame, and moral disorientation. Moral injury is most often studied in the context of military personnel, particularly regarding the experience of war. However, it can occur outside of the military context as well.

Key points about moral injury include:

• Definition: Psychiatrist Jonathan Shay and colleagues coined the term moral injury to describe experiences where someone who holds legitimate authority has betrayed what is morally right in a high-stakes situation. The term has also been modified by Brett Litz and colleagues as "perpetrating, failing to prevent, or bearing witness to acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations may be deleterious in the long term, emotionally, psychologically, behaviorally, spiritually, and socially".

• Symptoms: Moral injury can lead to PTSD, depression, and other disorders in which feelings such as guilt, shame, betrayal, and anger are predominant. Symptoms of moral injury may include feelings of worthlessness, loss of meaning or purpose, and a sense of being irreparably damaged.

• Treatment: Treatment for moral injury may include professional help, such as therapy or medication, as well as exploring different options for gaining control over moral injury. A biopsychosociospiritual model has been recommended as a framework for understanding and addressing moral injury in treatment.

Moral injury is a complex and serious issue that can have lasting impacts on an individuals mental health and well-being. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of moral injury.