The professor emphasized the importance of recognizing that even those who have witnessed terrorist attacks, security escalations, or serious traffic accidents can experience similar symptoms of post-traumatic stress. He stated that at least 80% of these individuals will experience difficult symptoms in the hours, days, and even the first month or two after the event. However, most of them are able to reorganize their lives and stop experiencing these symptoms without professional treatment.
The professor also mentioned that while some may need professional therapeutic intervention to reduce the chances of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, it is generally not worth interfering with natural recovery processes. A month and a half has passed since the events, and those still experiencing symptoms at this stage are considered post-traumatic. It is difficult to estimate what percentage of participants fall into this category, but it is likely around ten percent. Many more individuals encounter difficult situations and require treatment as well.
Regarding Israelis defined as post-traumatic, the professor estimated that there are around 30,000 cases. However, he believed that this number was likely much larger due to a lack of qualified professionals available to treat such problems. The professor also talked about the prolonged struggle expected in the next ten or twenty years and the need for new treatments that may involve technology to help those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder integrate into the labor market and reduce manpower shortages.
In conclusion, the professor emphasized the importance of developing new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and supporting family members and friends who require treatment and support. He believed that this effort would take years but would ultimately lead to reducing manpower shortages in Israel by enabling survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder to integrate into the labor market more easily.