Learning from Israel's Response to Collective Trauma

27 October 2023 Learning from Israel's Response to Collective Trauma Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter by Roi Shternin Hello and we

27 October 2023 Learning from Israel's Response to Collective Trauma Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter

by Roi Shternin

Hello and welcome, dear readers. Today, we're going to tackle a topic that's both challenging and incredibly significant - collective trauma. We're living in a time where the world has started to recognize the far-reaching impact of such a phenomenon. And the recent events in Israel have brought this issue into sharper focus.

In October, the country faced a series of traumatic events that resulted in an unprecedented mental health crisis. The scale of the trauma, as pointed out by Dr. Michel Thieren of the WHO, poses grand challenges for the healthcare system. With a death toll crossing a thousand and countless witnesses, the demand for treatment is understandably overwhelming the existing capacity.

Collective trauma isn't just about individual psychology. It's a societal phenomenon, a ripple effect that can extend its influence across generations if we fail to address it. The treatment approach must be as expansive as the scope of the distress we're dealing with.

To counter the threat of collective PTSD, Israel has taken robust measures to amplify access to counseling. Group therapy programs have been introduced, which not only allow efficient delivery of treatment but also help in reducing feelings of isolation among the affected individuals. Creative arts and movement therapies have been integrated into the treatment framework, offering non-verbal outlets to process grief. And of course, technology has a crucial role to play. Online treatment options are being developed and deployed to serve more people efficiently and effectively.

But let's not forget - healing trauma is not solely a medical endeavor. It requires political resolutions that acknowledge the suffering and strive to prevent its recurrence. The healthcare system can't do it alone. Hence, there's a cross-sectoral collaboration to advocate for holistic solutions t