Combat Trauma Psychologist Speaks with BDN, WLBZ Ahead of UMaine Talk
The Bangor Daily News and WLBZ (Channel 2) interviewed Dr. Jonathan Shay, a nationally recognized psychologist and author of two popular books on combat trauma and the trials of homecoming for veterans and their families, who will give two public addresses at the University of Maine on May 13. Shay spoke about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury, which he says results when a leader who holds legitimate authority betrays what’s commonly accepted as right, in a high-stakes situation. “It just devastates the capacity to have a good human life,” Shay said of moral injury. “When trust is destroyed, it doesn’t leave a vacuum, it doesn’t leave nothing. When trust is destroyed, it leaves behind the active expectancy of harm, exploitation and humiliation.” Shay will speak to the fifth annual Conference of the Maine Military & Community Network at 9 a.m. on, “Psychology and Moral Injury in War.” He also will give a 6 p.m. keynote address, “Combat Trauma and the Trials of Coming Home.” Both are in Wells Conference Center on campus.