Frequently Asked Questions
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About ICAR
Trauma and it’s impact
What is the problem ICAR is trying to solve and why now?
The tragic events of October 7th caused profound trauma across all societal levels—individual, community, and national. Trauma deeply impacts daily life. It affects both mental and physical well-being, including cardiovascular issues and autoimmune disorders. It also escalates into societal problems like workforce productivity, domestic violence and substance abuse. Since the war started, over 60% of Israelis have experienced symptoms of PTSD, and one in five people report increased use of addictive substances.
There is no playbook for how to accelerate healing after mass and collective trauma. The gap in knowledge and shortage of trained trauma specialists are prevalent in many countries but Israel has reached a state of urgency following Oct 7th. In addition, Israel’s trauma ecosystem is fragmented with hundreds of organizations working day and night on the ground – there is no natural owner to track and analyze the macro needs.
Why is trauma healing important?
Unaddressed trauma can have widespread repercussions on individual well-being, societal health, and productivity. It impacts not just mental health but also physical health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and impairing immune function. In children, trauma can disrupt development and learning, leading to long-term educational and social challenges. On a societal level, unresolved trauma can contribute to increased violence, substance abuse, and decreased workforce productivity. By addressing trauma effectively, we can foster healthier individuals and communities, enhancing overall resilience and well-being.
Can we prevent trauma?
We cannot really prevent traumatic events from happening unfortunately, especially in the case of terrorism and natural disasters, but we can mitigate the consequences of traumatic events. We use a three-tiered approach to trauma prevention. 1) Primary prevention involves building resilience to prevent the onset of trauma-related disorders. 2) Secondary prevention focuses on early intervention after exposure to trauma to prevent the escalation into more severe conditions. 3) Tertiary prevention, or recovery support, aims to provide ongoing care to those diagnosed with trauma-related disorders to promote long-term health and resilience.
What role can new technologies play?
New tools and technologies, such as virtual reality for prolonged exposure therapy or AI for initial triage, can help unburden mental health professionals and provide scalable solutions to reach more people efficiently. These innovations can supplement traditional therapies and potentially offer new avenues for treatment and support.