Defining Trauma: What it Means for Israelis

Trauma is a term we often hear, particularly here in Israel, where conflict, political tension, and uncertainty have been a defining part of life since the inception of the modern State and probably long before that. However, the way we think about trauma is sometimes narrow, focusing primarily on PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). While C/PTSD is a very real and debilitating condition, it’s important to recognize that trauma can manifest in many different ways, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.

In this blog and subsequent ones, we’ll take a closer look at the broad spectrum of trauma, explore how it impacts individuals and communities in Israel, and give some explanations as to why it’s crucial to understand that trauma doesn’t always result in PTSD. Trauma, whether personal, collective, or cultural, is a multi-layered experience, and in Israel, these layers intertwine with the unique socio-political landscape of the region.

What is Trauma?

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” Whether the event is directly experienced or witnessed, trauma often triggers reactions like anxiety, dread, and tension. Understanding that these reactions are normal responses to abnormal situations is important. In Israel, such situations—rocket attacks, acts of terrorism, or even the constant fear of potential violence—are part of everyday life for many of us. This creates an environment where we regularly confront emotionally distressing events.

Trauma can arise from a single incident, such as surviving a terrorist attack, or from ongoing exposure to distressing events, like living in a war zone or under constant threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that trauma responses can last for weeks or even months before people start to feel like themselves again. In most cases, the emotional impact gradually lessens over time. However, in some instances, the psychological response persists, potentially progressing into more severe conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), which will be looked at in greater detail at another time.

Trauma vs. PTSD: A Crucial Distinction

While trauma and PTSD are closely related, they are not the same thing. The CDC defines PTSD as “an intense physical and emotional response to thoughts and reminders of the event that last for many weeks or months after the traumatic event.” In other words, while trauma refers to the emotional response to a distressing event, PTSD is a more severe, chronic condition that can develop after trauma.

Untreated trauma can sometimes lead to PTSD, but it’s important to note that not all trauma results in this disorder. Trauma can exist without evolving into PTSD. The key difference lies in the duration and intensity of the symptoms. As the name suggests, post-traumatic stress disorder involves ongoing psychological distress long after the event has passed. However, trauma itself, without ever becoming PTSD, can still significantly impact a person’s well-being, influencing their mood, behavior, and relationships.

For Israelis living in a region marked by ongoing conflict, especially over the past year, the distinction between trauma and PTSD is particularly relevant. Many people experience trauma in the form of heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, or irritability without necessarily developing full-blown PTSD. This doesn’t make their experience any less valid or significant. Understanding this difference helps highlight the need for support for those living with trauma, even when it doesn’t fit the textbook definition of PTSD.

The Landscape of Trauma in Israel

Living in Israel means navigating a complex environment shaped by ongoing political instability, regional conflicts, and the constant threat of violence. Israeli citizens experience unique challenges that contribute to both individual and collective trauma. The ever-present threat of rocket attacks, terrorism, and military conflict is a routine part of life for many, which can create chronic stress and heightened states of alertness. Even those not directly involved in military or conflict-related situations are affected by this atmosphere of danger and tension.

Social and cultural dynamics in Israel also add layers to how trauma is experienced. Our country’s diverse population includes Holocaust survivors and their descendants, immigrants from war-torn countries, and religious groups carrying deep historical wounds. For some of us, trauma is not just an individual experience but an inherited legacy that shapes our worldview and identity. These interwoven layers of personal, collective, and historical trauma make the Israeli experience unique.

Types of Trauma: Beyond PTSD

While PTSD is often the first condition people think of in Israel when discussing trauma, there are several other ways in which trauma can manifest:

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD):
Acute Stress Disorder occurs in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event (i.e., October 7th), typically lasting from a few days to a month. Similar to PTSD, ASD includes symptoms like intrusive thoughts, dissociation, and heightened anxiety, but it doesn’t last as long. In Israel, many of us —especially those living closer to conflict zones—may experience acute stress reactions after rocket attacks or violence. Still, not all of them will develop chronic conditions.
Complex Trauma:
Complex trauma refers to exposure to repeated or prolonged traumatic events, often occurring in environments where individuals feel powerless. This type of trauma is particularly relevant in areas of ongoing conflict, where individuals face continuous cycles of violence and instability. For instance, families that have been evacuated or live near those areas may endure complex trauma due to their long-term exposure to the dangers of war and political unrest.
Secondary Trauma:
Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, occurs when individuals are indirectly affected by someone else’s traumatic experience. Here in Israel, many families experience secondary trauma when loved ones serve in the military or work in high-risk professions. The emotional toll of constantly worrying about a family member’s safety can lead to symptoms of anxiety and emotional distress.
Collective Trauma:
Collective trauma happens when an entire community or society is impacted by a shared traumatic experience. In Israel, events like the Holocaust, wars, and acts of terrorism like October 7th are part of our national consciousness, shaping the identity of entire generations. This collective memory of trauma can influence the way future generations process conflict and handle stress, creating both resilience and a heightened sense of vigilance.

Coping Mechanisms and Resilience

Despite the prevalence of trauma in Israel, many individuals and communities have developed remarkable resilience. From a young age, Israelis are naturally taught coping strategies, both physical and psychological, to manage the threat of violence. This resilience is often reinforced by strong social networks and a sense of community solidarity, which helps people navigate the challenges of living under constant threat. However, resilience should not be confused with ignoring or suppressing trauma. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains in his award-winning book, The Body Keeps the Score, trauma lives in the body and mind. Simply pushing it aside or pretending it doesn’t affect us can lead to long-term emotional and physical consequences. The body stores traumatic experiences, and unless they are acknowledged, they can manifest as chronic stress, illness, or emotional difficulties.

In The Body Keeps the Score, van der Kolk emphasizes accepting trauma as part of the healing process. Instead of trying to defeat trauma by pretending we are stronger than it is, we should learn to coexist with it. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving in to trauma—it means acknowledging its presence, understanding how it affects us, and then gently asking it to step aside so we can continue with our daily lives. This approach allows us to regain control rather than allowing the trauma to control us. In Israel, where trauma is often a part of daily life, this mindset can be mighty. Recognizing the trauma rather than denying it is the first step toward resilience.

Cultural practices and rituals also play an essential role in helping people cope with trauma. For example, Jewish customs, prayers, and holidays often offer opportunities for collective reflection, healing, and hope. These rituals provide a sense of continuity and connection, grounding individuals in something larger than their immediate fears and anxieties. They also serve as a collective outlet for processing trauma, whether through shared grief, remembrance, or community support. Religious faith can be a significant source of strength during times of uncertainty, offering comfort and perspective when the world feels overwhelming.

Humor is another common coping mechanism in Israel. In a high-stress environment, humor allows people to navigate tension and find moments of lightness amidst darkness. Shared laughter can be a bonding experience that helps diffuse fear and anxiety, even if only temporarily. It’s not uncommon for Israelis to use humor as a form of resilience, finding a way to cope with trauma through jokes or storytelling, even when the situation feels dire.

We need to do our best to remember that resilience in the face of trauma does not mean ignoring its existence. As van der Kolk teaches, trauma must be acknowledged, accepted, and understood so that it does not take over our lives. In Israel, this approach to trauma—balancing acceptance with cultural solid practices and community bonds—helps us survive and even thrive despite living in an environment marked by conflict and uncertainty.

Conclusion

Although trauma is an inescapable part of the landscape in Israel, it doesn’t always fit into the box of PTSD. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as a response to a terrible event, but it doesn’t always lead to chronic conditions like PTSD. As the CDC explains, most trauma responses gradually fade, though in some cases, they can persist and evolve into more severe disorders. Understanding trauma as a broad spectrum helps us see that not all emotional distress leads to PTSD, but the effects of trauma are still significant.

In the following blogs, we will continue to explore how trauma affects different groups within Israel, including children and communities, and how cultural responses help people cope with ongoing stress. Understanding trauma in all its forms is key to fostering empathy and providing support for healing in the face of conflict.