Netanyahu signals to Iran from the air force base: "We are also preparing for scenarios of challenges from other arenas"
Since the assassination of senior Revolutionary Guards officers in Damascus at the beginning of the month, Israeli citizens go to bed knowing that an Iranian response will come. The media non-stop covers intelligence updates, statements by diplomats and leaders from around the world, and military preparations. It is evident that in the shadow of the wait, the citizens are surrounded by a sense of pressure and anticipation for the unknown.
We spoke with concerned citizens to hear how the situation affects their daily lives, days since the liquidation. Noam (pseudonym) from the central region told about what she calls "a period of extensive mental struggle". "Sometimes I would like us to be already after the attack, to lower the level of stress that exists every day and minute that passes. Every time there is a new push on the subject, one report or another by intelligence officials or senior government officials who claim that if they respond then we will respond, and what then?"
She also added that after reports the other day that the attack would take place that night (which did not happen) she found herself "fixing the MMD, bringing water, food products, loading mobile chargers and also going down to the warehouse to sort out some things there in case we have to stay there."
"I consume media non-stop and this is a problematic point for me," she admitted. "I feel that I need to be in control and know what is happening or what is to come - and of course it affects me these days. I have no doubt that the exposure to all the reports adds to the pressure, but I can't do it otherwise." .
Dina Dror, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist at the Ella Center, told Walla that "there is nothing the soul hates more than uncertainty. This state of ambiguity is one of the most difficult situations for the human soul and mind. We need certainty one way or another." At the same time, she emphasized that there should be room for the difficult feelings that come with the situation.
"It is very important to legitimize fear and anxiety, these are normal and appropriate reactions. There are of course all kinds of styles. People's coping. Some people prepare and store food. Some people prefer to deny and maintain peace and routine as much as possible. We also have to remember that since October 7 our trust in the defense And security dropped a lot."
How can it be made easier?
"In collective trauma we are all in the same boat. Caregivers and patients. However, by virtue of our role we must hold the hope, the belief that it will be okay and yes, that we will also win. Dror said. "Each person has the resources to deal with situations of stress and anxiety like today. There are people for whom the physical dimension can help - to be active and do things like physical activity."
She also said that "there are people who work more with the mind - they plan, think and are busy with priorities. There are people who are strengthened by the spiritual dimension, a connection to meaning, mission and faith and hope. There are people who are helped by relationships, family, friends and belonging. Don't feel alone."
And what about the parents among us? "It's important to convey security to the children. For viewing the news. Do not expose the children to anxiety and threat. To convey that we are doing everything to protect the family," she added.
tips?
"To think about ourselves. What calms us and how we dealt with previous crises. What strengthened us, what weakened us and what we need to get through this period. There are things in our control and there are things that are not. What the leadership will do, when there will be an attack is not in our control," Dror emphasized . "What is within our control - our mood and our preparations for the situation. The more busy we are in our circle of influence and less in things that are out of our control, the better we will cope," she said.
The Ella Center provides mental support services to the entire population in cases of loss, trauma and life crises, through individual, couple, family or group therapy. To coordinate care and assistance, you can contact us on WhatsApp at 050-6644000, or on the association's website.