The survey, carried out among 111 participants – including active-duty soldiers, career service members, reservists, and ZAKA volunteers – focused on post-traumatic symptoms
Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view. Psychological trauma and PTSD treatment at therapy session. Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
By GABY KASHY-ROSENBAUM
AUGUST 23, 2025 18:08
A new study that I conducted at Ashkelon Academic College reveals the silent mental health crisis affecting Israel’s security forces.
The findings point to troubling levels of hidden distress, avoidance of seeking help, post-traumatic symptoms, and suicidal thoughts – particularly among career soldiers, reservists, and ZAKA volunteers.
The survey, carried out among 111 participants – including active-duty soldiers, career service members, reservists, and ZAKA volunteers – focused on post-traumatic symptoms.
Among the questions, one was asked directly: “Do you have suicidal thoughts?” Nearly one-third (30%) answered yes, in varying degrees of severity. About 10% reported post-traumatic symptoms so severe that they could be classified as PTSD at the highest clinical levels.
The study further found that 75% of respondents do not seek professional help on their own initiative, while 52% admitted to concealing negative emotions. Researchers described this as a pattern of “double avoidance”: suppressing emotions internally while also avoiding therapeutic contact.
A new study that I conducted at Ashkelon Academic College reveals the silent mental health crisis affecting Israel’s security forces.
The findings point to troubling levels of hidden distress, avoidance of seeking help, post-traumatic symptoms, and suicidal thoughts – particularly among career soldiers, reservists, and ZAKA volunteers.
The survey, carried out among 111 participants – including active-duty soldiers, career service members, reservists, and ZAKA volunteers – focused on post-traumatic symptoms.
Among the questions, one was asked directly: “Do you have suicidal thoughts?” Nearly one-third (30%) answered yes, in varying degrees of severity. About 10% reported post-traumatic symptoms so severe that they could be classified as PTSD at the highest clinical levels.
The study further found that 75% of respondents do not seek professional help on their own initiative, while 52% admitted to concealing negative emotions. Researchers described this as a pattern of “double avoidance”: suppressing emotions internally while also avoiding therapeutic contact.
Israeli soldiers with PTSD, demanding better rights and conditions, block a road outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, August 18, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)
The correlations were clear. Concealment of emotions was strongly linked to PTSD symptoms, especially dissociation and avoidance, while suicidal thoughts were associated with all categories of post-traumatic distress.
Moreover, the more severe the exposure to traumatic events, the greater both the intensity of PTSD symptoms and the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Seeking professional help, in contrast, emerged as a significant protective factor.
Moreover, the more severe the exposure to traumatic events, the greater both the intensity of PTSD symptoms and the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Seeking professional help, in contrast, emerged as a significant protective factor.
Silent struggles after service
While the study identified certain protective elements – such as religious faith and perceived social support – the researchers stressed that these cannot replace professional treatment.
Career soldiers and reservists were found to be particularly vulnerable, often returning to civilian life without systemic support: no continuity of care, minimal follow-up, and cultural barriers that discourage open discussion of trauma.
Many reported feelings of guilt, loss of identity, and alienation. For some, their sense of value exists only on the battlefield; at home, they no longer recognize themselves.
Career soldiers and reservists were found to be particularly vulnerable, often returning to civilian life without systemic support: no continuity of care, minimal follow-up, and cultural barriers that discourage open discussion of trauma.
Many reported feelings of guilt, loss of identity, and alienation. For some, their sense of value exists only on the battlefield; at home, they no longer recognize themselves.
A growing wave of suicides
The study is published against a grim backdrop: in recent weeks, eight suicides have been reported in connection with the war and the October 7 attacks. Among the victims were active-duty soldiers, reservists, career personnel, and ZAKA volunteers.
One of them, Master Sergeant (res.) Ariel Meir Taman had served continuously since the outbreak of the war, working in body identification. “He never showed any difficulty. He only strengthened us,” his sister recalled.
Experts warn that those who project outward strength – those who insist they are “fine” – may be at the highest risk. Their silence, combined with a cultural tendency to cope alone, leaves them dangerously isolated.
One of them, Master Sergeant (res.) Ariel Meir Taman had served continuously since the outbreak of the war, working in body identification. “He never showed any difficulty. He only strengthened us,” his sister recalled.
Experts warn that those who project outward strength – those who insist they are “fine” – may be at the highest risk. Their silence, combined with a cultural tendency to cope alone, leaves them dangerously isolated.
Don’t be afraid to ask
The researchers emphasize that open, non-judgmental dialogue can save lives. It is important not to fear asking directly about suicidal thoughts.
It is crucial to understand: a suicidal person is almost always ambivalent – thinking about death yet searching for hope. They may consider ending their life, but deep down, they are longing for someone to notice, to see their suffering, and to stop them.
A caring, open, and non-judgmental conversation can become a life-saving moment. Sometimes, a single brave question – asked without judgment, without clichés, and without fear – can be the lifeline for which a person is searching.
It is crucial to understand: a suicidal person is almost always ambivalent – thinking about death yet searching for hope. They may consider ending their life, but deep down, they are longing for someone to notice, to see their suffering, and to stop them.
A caring, open, and non-judgmental conversation can become a life-saving moment. Sometimes, a single brave question – asked without judgment, without clichés, and without fear – can be the lifeline for which a person is searching.
The writer is head of the education track and a senior lecturer in the multidisciplinary department at Ashkelon Academic College, specializing in trauma research
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All is not well with the World's most IMMORAL army
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