In helping professions and mission-driven work, many of us are deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others and in our communities. But what happens during turbulent times—when staying connected to our core beliefs and values feels especially challenging? This is often described as moral distress, and it can be one of the most difficult experiences we face at work.

The good news is that by understanding where moral distress comes from, we can adopt practical strategies to support our well-being, strengthen resilience, and protect our peace—both individually and collectively.

In this session, we’ll begin with an overview of moral distress and how it shows up across different roles and organizations. From there, we’ll explore actionable strategies for responding to these challenges, fostering emotional regulation, and sustaining purpose and connection in the midst of complexity.

Learners will be able to:

Describe the concept of moral distress and recognize how it may show up in diverse work settings during times of stress and uncertainty
Identify five signs and symptoms of moral distress that impact personal and professional well-being
Apply four practical strategies to manage moral distress and build individual and collective resilience
Explore five self-care and grounding practices that promote emotional regulation and protect personal peace.