What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
We've all been exposed to traumas and crises throughout our lives, whether we've been involved in them or experienced them. In severe cases of trauma, these events remain like an unhealed wound that impacts daily functioning in all areas of life. The effects of post-trauma vary greatly; therefore treatment must be diverse and tailored to the specific post-traumatic injury.
In fact, when the brain perceives a certain experience or situation as life-threatening, an immediate survival mechanism kicks in and the experience remains unprocessed. For most people, life will continue on its course, but for about 20% of the population, there is a high probability of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where the brain may be triggered by various stimuli such as sound, sight, or smell, reminiscent of the life-threatening situation. The brain reacts with the survival mechanism even in situations where there is no actual danger.
For example, someone might be grocery shopping, and something falling behind them can trigger a survival response.
In most cases, those dealing with military-based PTSD may avoid crowded places out of fear of experiencing such a response, which leads to social withdrawal and ultimately a profound sense of loneliness.
What is Military-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Combat shock, or in professional language, military-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A proposed interpretation is that the battle continues to rage within you even after the war has ended.
Military-related PTSD does not differ fundamentally from other trauma-inducing conditions, but those suffering from it also experience guilt and shame due to the fact that they are struggling to function. This means that someone suffering from military-related PTSD (or combat shock in layman's terms) may find it hard to seek treatment and admit that they have a problem. It can be assumed that a large proportion of PTSD sufferers will never receive treatment.
Can PTSD be treated?
According to established research, it can be said that psychotherapy helps with symptoms and improves the quality of life. New studies highlight the importance of community in treating PTSD. The involvement of family and community helps prevent isolation, depression, and feelings of guilt. Individuals with PTSD may not fully recover, but they certainly learn to live fulfilling and happy lives despite their PTSD.
The Community-Based Rehabilitation Concept
At the core of our association's philosophy is the belief that treatment doesn't exist in isolation. There's a supportive and rehabilitative community that accompanies and assists individuals in dealing with life's challenges and hardships. The community is present for the individual during difficult moments, enabling a dialogue that professionals alone may not be able to foster. In the words of the poet Ami Gilboa: "Suddenly, a person wakes up in the morning, decides they are a people and starts walking."
The 'Nothing About Us Without Us' Approach
This philosophy advocates that policies should be determined with the direct participation of the group members affected by them. The slogan primarily addresses policy formation relevant to marginalized groups, such as poverty, minorities, individuals with disabilities, women, etc., which often lack political, social, and economic opportunities.
Starting from the 2000s, this approach has also been applied in the field of medicine and mental health. As part of the recovery process, members of the association contribute to the building, maintenance, and preservation of the structure. They also participate in explaining PTSD to schools and organizations. Service recipients in the association are involved in all decisions, and they share in the association's progress.