Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is no stranger to Israel. Generations of wars, attacks, and collective memory of survival have normalized resilience—but sometimes at the cost of recognizing real struggle.
Mental Health First Aid Israel is working to destigmatize PTSD, framing it not as weakness but as a brain's natural response to unnatural circumstances. Symptoms include flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and avoidance behaviors.
The distinction between a normal stress response and PTSD often lies in duration and impact. If symptoms persist beyond a month and interfere with daily life, it's time to seek professional help.
MHFA Israel equips volunteers to explain PTSD in relatable terms: "It's like your brain is stuck in emergency mode, even when the emergency is over. With help, we can teach it to reset."
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