The Interconnection of Individual and Collective Trauma

Healing in Question

Since October 7, thousands of mental health workers have been supporting war victims—discharged soldiers, their families, children, and civilians. But as with so many aspects of this war, we are facing unprecedented challenges.

The trauma from the October 7th massacre, the ongoing captivity of hostages, returning survivors, and the relentless threat of continued violence have made recovery far more complex. Soldiers are being repeatedly called to service, facing exhaustion, financial strain, and the psychological toll of helplessness and despair.

For caregivers and therapists, the task of holding space for healing is harder than ever. Two factors make this especially difficult:

1. We are affected too—not only as professionals, but as members of the same wounded society. We are carrying our own pain while absorbing the undigested trauma of others, putting us at risk of secondary trauma—an issue that still lacks adequate attention and support.
2. There’s no clear endpoint—even those who complete therapy often feel incomplete. The context around them remains broken, unresolved.

This raises a profound question: Can individual healing truly occur in the midst of collective suffering?

Our pain is not isolated—it is part of a broader national wound. This is collective trauma, and it too has symptoms: mistrust, polarization, toxic narratives, loss of meaning, and fractured unity. Individual healing is not only connected to, but dependent on, collective healing—and vice versa.

Awareness is the first step. Just as with personal trauma, we must recognize collective trauma before it overwhelms us. Healing as a society requires just as much attention, care, and intention.

And yet, amidst the pain, there is light.

We are continually resourced by the strength, courage, and humanity of our people. The soldier who volunteers so his married comrade can stay home. The returning hostage who speaks for those still captive. The families who mourn with grace. The crowds who line the streets with love to support bereaved families.

Our collective is deeply wounded—and also deeply resilient. We are a people of tradition, unity, innovation, and compassion. We build technology and raise children. We solve problems and nurture one another.

Let us meet the challenge of collective trauma with the same life-affirming power we bring to every crisis—with generosity, courage, and hope.

Written with Emanuelle Girsowicz