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Healing the Invisible Wounds:

In the wake of unprecedented national trauma following the recent conflicts, the demand for mental health services in Israel has surged dramatically.

The Arbel Institute's Multidisciplinary Response to Health Trauma in Israel

Message from Dr. Michael Band from Arbel Institute.

Trauma is not child's play

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Israel is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region.

With estimates suggesting that around 30% of the population might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the coming months, the need for robust mental health support has never been more critical. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for mental health interventions, particularly for children who are disproportionately affected by the violence.

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Children in Israel and the Palestinian territories are bearing the brunt of the conflict, with many experiencing severe psychological repercussions. According to Save the Children, symptoms such as depression, nightmares, bed-wetting, and self-harm are becoming increasingly common among young survivors of violence. These children are not only grappling with the immediate terror of their experiences but also with the long-term implications of disrupted lives and shattered senses of security.


The psychological toll on children manifests in various ways. For some, the trauma leads to withdrawal and social isolation, while others might exhibit aggressive behaviours as a response to their inner turmoil. The chronic stress of living in a conflict zone can impede cognitive development and academic performance, further entrenching the cycle of disadvantage and distress.

With around 30% of the population at risk of developing post-trauma disorders in the coming months, the urgent need for mental health support and interventions, particularly for over the 500,000 affected children in Israel, cannot be overstated.

Read more about the mental health crisis in Israel

The Arbel Institute

The Arbel Institute, renowned for its comprehensive psychological services, deploys a robust team of over 80 multi-disciplinary professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic researchers. Together, they address the complex mental health challenges emerging from the traumatic experiences of war and displacement that have impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals.


This partnership focuses on several key initiatives:

 

  1. Community and Institutional Support: Through tailored training courses, the program equips community, education, and emergency teams with the necessary tools to handle trauma effectively. These initiatives ensure that those on the front lines are prepared to provide essential support and intervention.
     

  2. Regional and Emergency Training Conventions: These conventions bring together leaders and experts to share knowledge and strategies for managing psychological trauma, reaching at least 500 participants annually.
     

  3. Direct Emergency Response: The program offers immediate intervention in acute situations, such as instances of sexual abuse or suicide, through 65 emergency sessions designed for rapid deployment.
     

  4. Municipal Accompaniment and School Programs: In collaboration with local education departments, the project includes comprehensive training for coping with trauma in schools, creating a resilient educational environment supporting students and faculty.


These concerted efforts are designed not just to respond to immediate needs but to foster long-term resilience and prevent the escalation of mental health crises. 

What Arbel Institute are Doing

Message from Dr. Michael Band from Arbel Institute.

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