What's the Difference Between Trauma & PTSD?

Zohar is a clinical and organizational psychologist who guides us hand-in-hand to understand the terminology and situations we are coping with now; the differences between stress resulting from a traumatic event versus trauma, and the clinical transitions between them, when a post-traumatic response develops. He explains the physical and mental aspects during emergency times, and the most important step each of us can take to provide first psychological aid in these cases. 

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"Because of the stress response we can exist on planet Earth." 

The body's stress system, fueled by adrenaline and cortisol, helps us navigate and escape challenging situations. Usually, the pressure subsides once the situation is resolved. However, in extreme cases like those we are dealing with in Israel now, stress can develop into trauma - which can be prevented by intervening properly at the first stage of the stress response (ASR - Acute Stress Reaction).

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"While stress is a natural, positive reaction, trauma constitutes a fracture."

ASR is an intense yet still far from traumatic reaction, so it's critical to treat a person in this stage to prevent deterioration of their mental state. The assistance we can provide at the ASR stage is called "psychological first aid." Zohar elaborates on its key principles in the chapter, but here are a few: emphasizing that we are with the person and will not abandon them, activating the person from helplessness to action and agency. 

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Body and mind are intertwined; stress manifests physically (shallow breathing, chest pains) and mentally (depression, loss of interest). Distinguishing stress symptoms from serious health problems is challenging. When people are in a stress or trauma response they deal with shame and avoidance, so seeking mental help becomes vital.

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Therefore, to conclude, I (Gali) ask Zohar what he thinks could be the most effective channels of care to help soldiers and citizens at this time. He details that we must establish hotlines of civil and military systems, networks of resilience trustees who can provide psychological first aid (a life-saving solution for both the caregiver and recipient), to ease those ashamed to seek help and touch as many souls as possible.