Since the outbreak of the “Roar of the Lion” war, it seems that Israeli society has shifted into automatic functioning mode. If in previous campaigns the shock of surprise was felt, this time we arrived more alert. The systems are functioning, the public follows instructions, and there is a sense of almost natural adaptation to the security reality.
But behind the strong appearance lies a deeper complexity.
We tell ourselves that we have gotten used to it, but at times this is a survival mechanism that allows us to push the pain aside in order to function. This does not mean the pain is not there. It is simply waiting.
The Dissonance of Resilience
Psychological resilience includes two layers. The first is adaptation. The brain learns that there is a siren and there is a protected space, there is a clear sequence of actions and there is relative control over the situation. This is functional resilience that makes it possible not to lose composure.
The second layer is deeper and is the ability to process the injury itself.
Beneath the surface of a disciplined and functioning public there are many injuries that are not being treated. Not only those whose homes were damaged or who lost a family member, but also the wider circles. Parents of the wounded, spouses living apart for months because of reserve duty, students whose studies have been interrupted again and again.
These damages accumulate even if we have learned not to panic at every siren.
The Accumulation Effect
One of the main dangers in prolonged fighting is that the injuries do not wait in line. They pile up one on top of the other.
Those who carried anxieties from a previous operation or psychological scars from October 7 or from past wars may find themselves overwhelmed again.
A person who thought he had processed his experiences from a previous war may discover that the emotions resurface when his son enlists. A woman who manages the household alone for many months while her partner is in reserve duty is not only demonstrating resilience, but also accumulating erosion that will later affect her health, her relationship and her parenting.
Our routine has been disrupted for years, already since the coronavirus period. In daily life we nourish ourselves through hobbies, social gatherings, studies and work. In emergency situations these resources shrink.
The fatigue is not only physical. It is accumulated mental fatigue.
Everything Begins When Everything Ends
Mental health professionals are familiar with a recurring phenomenon. During pressure people tense up. They mobilize, act calmly and hold on.
But precisely when the tension decreases, that is when the real process begins. As in exam periods or under heavy financial pressure, the psyche releases the distress only when it is allowed to. When the public feels that everything is over, for us this is the stage when things begin to surface.
The vulnerability is not uniform. Young people carry a heavy functional burden, while the older population sometimes experiences deeper anxiety due to physical weakening and dependence on others. But even those who appear especially strong are not immune.
What Can Be Done Already Now
The first step is recognizing that the price exists. High functioning is not proof of the absence of injury. Acknowledging fatigue is especially important. A decrease in patience, difficulty concentrating or a feeling of erosion are not signs of weakness but a natural response to prolonged effort.
Maintaining routine health is another critical component. Neglecting medical problems or giving up examinations due to a sense of lack of availability may deepen mental erosion. Body and mind are connected to one another.
It is also important to legitimize anxiety. Panic from a siren even after many times does not indicate a lack of resilience but basic humanity. The understanding that it is allowed to be afraid enables emotional processing instead of repression.
The resilience of Israeli society is impressive, but it is not immunity. We are learning to adapt to a complex reality, but we must not normalize the injury.
On the day after the campaign, not only the infrastructures will need rehabilitation. The hearts of those who continued to function quietly, over time, will also need space for listening and treatment.
Dr. Oren Blass is a clinical psychologist at Meuhedet Jerusalem District