Mental Health Support Overwhelmed by Demand from War Veterans
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Aid organizations are warning of an overwhelming demand for mental health support for Israeli soldiers and reservists dealing with the psychological impact of years of conflict. Representatives highlighted long waiting lists for combat processing programs and a critical lack of funding, urging the government to prioritize and budget for this support. They stressed that soldiers need tools to reintegrate into civilian life and should not have to reach a crisis point before receiving help. The scale of need is unprecedented since the October 7th attacks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Aid groups report overwhelming demand for mental health support for soldiers and reservists.
- Long waiting lists and insufficient funding plague combat processing programs.
- 35-40% of soldiers may experience post-traumatic symptoms after the current war.
- Organizations urge the government to include mental health funding in coalition agreements.
- Participants in processing programs gain tools to cope and reintegrate into civilian life.
Numerous reservists and career soldiers are grappling with the psychological aftermath of three years of war, even those not officially diagnosed with PTSD, according to a special panel at the 'People of the State' conference organized by Ynet and Yediot Ahronot. Representatives from aid organizations warned of a surge in demand for combat processing programs, lengthy waiting lists, and insufficient funding.
Lavi Zamir, CEO of the 'Bashvil Hamelech' association, stated that while 13-19% of soldiers typically become PTSD-diagnosed after service, the current war, involving over 350,000 reservists, is seeing 35-40% experience post-traumatic symptoms. He emphasized the need for these individuals to receive tools to reintegrate into civilian life, rather than solely relying on the rehabilitation department. Zamir noted that 150 combat processing groups are planned, with 70 more groups on waiting lists, forcing him to turn people away due to a lack of resources.
Daphna Harari, director of the 'Meitarim' unit, stressed that the state, which sends soldiers into combat, must take responsibility for their well-being post-service. She called for better coordination of efforts, directing individuals to aid groups, and adequate budgeting, rather than relying on philanthropy. Raziel Barbi, founder of the 'War for the Soul' forum, described the complex challenge soldiers face in switching between combat and civilian life, needing to "turn yourself on and off" to function at home and with family.
The panelists urged the government to include clear, funded provisions for mental health support in coalition agreements, arguing that the state owes this to its soldiers. They highlighted that individuals shouldn't have to reach a breaking point to seek help, and the processing programs aim to provide coping mechanisms. The scale of need is unprecedented since October 7th, with blurred lines between front and home front impacting soldiers.
Zamir shared that participants in the programs gain tools to communicate their experiences to family and that many report life-changing benefits. Harari recounted a story of a woman who, after participating in a program, was able to confront her guilt over a past incident and visit the graves of fallen colleagues, experiencing a profound shift in her perspective. The programs are often organic, with participants grouped based on their specific challenges, including reservists' partners.
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