Israeli Military Spokesman Opens Up About PTSD Battle: ‘I Don’t Know What Damage I’ve Done to My Family’

Brigadier General Efi Daperin, the Israel Defence Forces’ former spokesman, has publicly revealed his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his military service. In a candid account, Daperin described how trauma can unexpectedly intrude into everyday civilian life, leaving him unable to distinguish between past and present.

Daperin detailed how seemingly innocuous moments can trigger intense flashbacks. “You’re driving in summer and suddenly a glint of sunlight freezes you for a second,” he explained. “You feel like you’re in a tank now, under fire, and you’re in the middle of Tel Aviv on the beach.”

The senior officer’s willingness to discuss his psychological struggles highlights the lasting impact military service can have on even the most senior personnel. Daperin’s candid remarks underscore the invisible wounds many Israeli servicemen and women carry long after their active duty ends, with combat-related trauma affecting not only veterans themselves but also those closest to them.

Daperin expressed concern about the broader ripple effects of his condition, saying: “I don’t know what damage I’ve done to my family.” His openness about the personal costs of service comes amid growing awareness in Israel of mental health challenges facing combat veterans, many of whom struggle to reintegrate into civilian life despite their professional accomplishments.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.