IDF Center Helps Soldiers Cope With War Trauma and Return to Life

The "Te'atzumot" (Resilience) center, operated by the IDF's Medical Corps in Tel Aviv, provides intensive treatment for soldiers suffering from significant mental distress and functional impairment due to combat experiences. The center, which operates discreetly without overt military signs, aims to help soldiers who return from the battlefield with invisible wounds, including difficult memories, guilt, constant alertness, and sleep deprivation.

At "Te'atzumot," soldiers participate in group sessions where anonymity is maintained, allowing them to discuss their experiences without needing to explain the nature of anxiety or hypervigilance. The program treats both male and female soldiers, with many coming from intelligence units and mixed-gender battalions. The center emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, shifting the perception from shame to understanding that treatment is part of coping with the psychological cost of service.

Established two and a half years ago, "Te'atzumot" employs a model that combines intensive therapy with a broad support system. According to Lt. Col. Michal Lipschitz, Head of the Branch, new groups of 10-12 patients begin weekly, led by a commander, sometimes a former combat officer. This structure, including wearing uniforms for some sessions, fosters a sense of belonging and commitment, helping to prevent dropouts from treatment. The program includes emotional regulation workshops, post-trauma symptom management, and activities designed to restore a sense of control, with a significant focus on sleep hygiene and overcoming sleep disturbances.

Therapeutic activities also include mind-body practices like boxing, surfing, and climbing, alongside individual therapy and occupational therapy to help soldiers rebuild basic daily habits and cognitive functions. The center has treated over 1,600 soldiers, with approximately 95% being combat soldiers. About 70% remain in military service, often reassigned to rear-echelon roles, while only about 5% return to combat positions. The goal is to help soldiers stabilize, restore function, and find a new place within the system.

Mental health officers like Alon Msharqi explain that the intense emotional pressure of combat often leads soldiers to suppress feelings like fear and guilt, which can resurface later in dreams or seemingly minor daily situations. They stress that seeking professional help is essential for processing experiences and rebuilding life, not just as soldiers but also as civilians, partners, and parents. The center aims to provide a continuum of care, with referrals to further treatment after discharge to prevent soldiers from feeling lost in the civilian world.