In today's fast-paced world, where information is readily available at our fingertips and everything seems to move at breakneck speed, it's easy to forget the importance of patience. We've become so accustomed to instant gratification and quick fixes that we often overlook the value of taking things slow and steady. However, cultivating patience can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
One of the most significant benefits of patience is a reduction in stress and anxiety. When we're patient, we're less likely to feel rushed or stressed, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and improve our overall mental health. Patience also leads to better decision-making, as it allows us to take the time to consider all of our options and make informed choices, rather than rushing into something we might regret later. Additionally, patience can enhance our relationships with others, as it helps us be more understanding and forgiving, leading to stronger and healthier connections. Finally, patience can help us build resilience, allowing us to persevere through challenges and setbacks and cope with difficult situations more effectively.
On the other hand, constant impatience can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health. It can increase stress levels, contribute to poor decision-making, and strain our relationships with others. Moreover, chronic impatience can lead to various health issues, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
Fortunately, patience is a skill that can be developed over time, and there are several practices that can help us cultivate this virtue. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, can help us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, making it easier to recognize and manage impatience when it arises. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to impatience, such as catastrophizing or overestimating the importance of events.
Exercise is another practice that can help reduce stress and improve mood, which can make it easier to be patient in difficult situations. Finally, journaling can be a powerful tool for gaining perspective and processing our emotions, enabling us to cultivate patience over time.
While it's easy to get caught up in the frantic pace of modern life, taking the time to cultivate patience can yield numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. By recognizing and practicing patience we can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and grace.

by Deborah Ashway, LCMHC, LCAS

#PatienceInAFastPacedWorld #MindfulnessMatters #BenefitsofPatience #CultivatingPatience #ReduceStressAndAnxiety #MakeBetterDecisions #ImproveRelationships #BuildResilience #MindfulnessMeditation #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #ExerciseForMentalHealth #JournalingForPerspective #SlowDownAndThrive #EmbraceThePause #ThePowerOfPatience

Moral injury occurs when an individual experiences social, psychological, and
spiritual harm due to a betrayal of their core values. Here are some ways in which
moral injury can happen:
1. Acts of Commission: These occur when a person actively engages in behaviors that
conflict with their moral beliefs. For example, a soldier who must shoot an enemy
combatant may experience moral injury if they later discover personal details about the
deceased, such as seeing a picture of the dead man’s children 1 .
2. Acts of Omission: Moral injury can also result from failing to prevent harm or
wrongdoing. Imagine a situation where someone witnesses an injustice but feels
powerless to intervene. The guilt and shame from not taking action can lead to moral
injury 2 .
3. Acts of Betrayal: This type of moral injury often involves leaders or authority figures.
When those in positions of trust fail to protect their subordinates or violate ethical
norms, it can profoundly wound a person’s conscience. For instance, doctors facing
ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system may experience moral injury when
business interests conflict with patient care 1 .
4. High-Stakes Situations: Anyone caught in a life-or-death scenario with no good
choices can suffer moral injury. This includes therapists, human rights workers, first
responders, and survivors of abuse or violence. Even doctors, faced with decisions that
impact patients’ survival, may grapple with moral conflicts 13 .
In the military context, moral injury is widespread and linked to anxiety, depression,
PTSD severity, and suicide risk. Over 90% of veterans with PTSD exhibit symptoms of
moral injury, emphasizing its significant impact 1 . Similarly, doctors today face moral
dilemmas due to conflicts between healthcare practices and their deepest values 14 .


Remember that moral injury arises from circumstances, not character, and it can fundamentally alter a person’s worldview and ability to trust others.
TIPS for healing
Healing moral injury is a complex and deeply personal process, often requiring time,
effort, and support. Here are some tips that may help:

• Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor experienced in treating moral injury. They can provide guidance and tools tailored to your specific situation.
• 2. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on the events or experiences that have caused moral injury. Journaling or engaging in introspective practices like meditation can help you process your feelings and thoughts.
• 3. Seek Understanding: Try to understand the circumstances that led to the moral injury, including the choices and actions of others involved. This can help contextualize your feelings and promote empathy, forgiveness, or acceptance.
• 4. Connect with Others: Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or members of your community who can offer empathy, understanding, and companionship as you navigate your healing journey.
• 5. Engage in Meaningful Activities: Participate in activities that align with your values and bring you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can help rebuild a sense of meaning and identity that may have been affected by the moral injury.
• 6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself and recognize that experiencing moral injury is a normal response to challenging situations. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding as you work through your feelings.
• 7. Explore Spiritual or Religious Practices: For some individuals, spiritual or religious practices can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of connection to something greater than themselves.
• 8. Advocate for Change: If your moral injury stems from systemic issues or injustices, consider getting involved in advocacy or activism efforts aimed at addressing the underlying causes and promoting positive change.
• 9. Set Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries can help protect your emotional well- being and prevent further harm. This may involve distancing yourself from triggering situations or individuals, setting limits on your involvement in certain activities, or seeking support in enforcing boundaries.
• 10. Give Yourself Time: Healing from moral injury is a process that takes time and patience. Be patient with yourself and trust that with time and effort, you can find healing and peace.

By Tandy Hale, LCMHC, ATR-BC, NCC