Afterwar

President Donald Trump

What Trump Doesn't Know That Any Commander in Chief Should

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on August 4, 2016

Military families go to war vicariously with their service member and the grief and moral injury are the hidden casualties of war. Any future commander in chief should know this.

Military families go to war vicariously with their service member and the grief and moral injury are the hidden casualties of war. Any future commander in chief should know this.

Ethics and Morality

Not Just About the Psychologists

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on September 21, 2015

What are the moral effects of torture and depersonalization? A discussion with a psychiatrist and retired Army brigadier general.

What are the moral effects of torture and depersonalization? A discussion with a psychiatrist and retired Army brigadier general.

Moral Injury

After War

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on June 9, 2015

The concept of "moral injuries" associated with combat experience is an affliction of growing interest to both military and healthcare communities.

The concept of "moral injuries" associated with combat experience is an affliction of growing interest to both military and healthcare communities.

Guilt

Don’t Just Tell Me "Thank You"

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on May 22, 2015

A young vet came forward, turned to a civilian he hadn’t met before, and said: “Don’t just tell me ‘Thank you for your service.’ First say, ‘Please.’” He didn’t explain further. But the resentment expressed was unmistakable. You couldn’t be a civilian in that room and not feel the sting.

A young vet came forward, turned to a civilian he hadn’t met before, and said: “Don’t just tell me ‘Thank you for your service.’ First say, ‘Please.’” He didn’t explain further. But the resentment expressed was unmistakable. You couldn’t be a civilian in that room and not feel the sting.

Moral Injury

The Deepest War Wound May Be the Anguish of Moral Injury

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on April 28, 2015

That the military code—never abandon a buddy, bring all your troops home, don't put innocents at risk—is impossible to meet doesn't always register deep down. The result may be shame, and all too often suicidal shame.

That the military code—never abandon a buddy, bring all your troops home, don't put innocents at risk—is impossible to meet doesn't always register deep down. The result may be shame, and all too often suicidal shame.

Meditation

A Meditation on How Moral Injuries Heal

Nancy Sherman Ph.D. on April 9, 2015

Many soldiers don't easily volunteer the word "guilt." They'll instead choose "fault" and "responsibility."

Many soldiers don't easily volunteer the word "guilt." They'll instead choose "fault" and "responsibility."