IDF Spokesperson Reveals Struggle with PTSD from 2006 Lebanon War Injury

IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effi Dafrin opened up about his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during a military podcast, sharing how his severe injury in the Battle of Saluki during the Second Lebanon War deeply affected him. Dafrin explained that PTSD is an invisible wound that took him many years to recognize and understand, describing it as a mental injury that impacts behavior and is often misunderstood as a form of madness. He emphasized the importance of self-care, noting that managing PTSD not only aids the individual but also benefits their family, subordinates, and colleagues.

Dafrin admitted that he initially suppressed his trauma upon returning to his unit, which likely caused harm to his close family, including his children, despite raising them well. He stressed that healing is a continuous process, saying, "There are wounds you never fully get rid of." He described common PTSD triggers such as door slamming and loud noises, which can provoke intense reactions even years later. Dafrin recounted moments when sudden stimuli, like a flash of sunlight, would transport him back to combat scenarios, illustrating how pervasive the condition can be.

He concluded by encouraging others who have experienced combat to seek help and treat themselves with courage, highlighting that awareness and treatment can significantly improve quality of life. Dafrin’s candid testimony sheds light on the long-term psychological effects of war on soldiers and the critical need for ongoing mental health support within the military community.