Jakarta –
Recently Israeli media reported that around 1,600 soldiers were showing symptoms of stress reactions due to the war as the country’s mental health system was on the verge of collapse. At least 250 Israeli soldiers were withdrawn from duty during the war in Gaza due to mental disorders.
According to a report by the Israeli news site Walla, symptoms of combat stress reactions have been experienced in at least 1,600 soldiers since the start of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, on October 7, 2023.
The symptoms complained of include fast heartbeat, sweating, sudden increase in blood pressure, uncontrollable body shaking, confusion, and the inability to move.
If these symptoms persist for more than four weeks, the soldier’s condition may worsen to the point of experiencing severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
Meanwhile, according to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, as many as 2,800 Israeli soldiers are reportedly undergoing rehabilitation after returning from Gaza. Around 91 percent of them suffered minor injuries and 18 percent were reported to have mental disorders.
Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the Israeli army had formed a psychological team consisting of nurses and psychiatrists to help soldiers who had suicidal tendencies and experienced war-related anxiety.
This follows another report from the Kan news site which reported that more than 2,000 military personnel involved in the ground war in the Gaza Strip were seeking psychiatric help due to mental and psychological problems. The report further said these soldiers, who were psychologically and emotionally impacted by the ground invasion of Gaza, were being treated by mental health workers.
Not only that, suicide cases among Israeli soldiers have also reportedly increased. Local media repeatedly reported incidents of self-immolations, hangings and gunshot wounds carried out by military forces.
In addition, the Al Mayadeen website stated that the Israeli Emotional First Aid Service (ERAN) reported a surge in requests for psychological and PTSD treatment among Israeli citizens, reaching 100 thousand requests.
The association’s director, David Korn, said ERAN centers had never seen a surge in demand of this magnitude since their founding. They noted teams at centers dealing with mental health problems were also experiencing psychological crises.
The head of the Disabled Veterans Organization, Edan Kleiman, also told Bloomberg, on December 28, that the number of injured among Israeli soldiers is predicted to increase to around 20,000 if traumatized soldiers are counted.
Kleiman marked the first time that Israel had witnessed so many injured victims having to be rehabilitated, as Israeli authorities did not realize the severity of the problem or the situation.
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2024-01-06 01:01:51
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