Introduction

As we work to support IDF combat soldiers and reservists profoundly affected by the recent escalation in violence, it’s essential to address both their immediate and long-term needs. Since October 7, 2023, over 12,000 IDF soldiers have sustained injuries in Gaza and Lebanon, while thousands have served extended periods in reserve duty, often for months at a time. The extended deployments and intense combat exposure have taken a toll on their mental health, family stability, and careers.

Prolonged exposure to high-stress combat environments increases the risk of PTSD, depression, and severe anxiety among soldiers. These impacts extend beyond the individual, affecting spouses, children, and other family members, who also experience the stress and uncertainty tied to these deployments. Many reservists struggle to balance lengthy reserve duties with civilian employment, emphasizing the urgent need for trauma-informed, supportive interventions tailored to the experiences of IDF veterans, reservists and active-duty soldiers.

The Benefits of Nature-based Therapy for IDF Soldiers

Nature-based therapy (NBT), also called Ecotherapy, presents a promising complementary approach for treating combat-related PTSD and stress among veterans. Through activities such as guided hikes, horticulture therapy, and nature retreats, evidence has shown that ecotherapy reduces PTSD symptoms, alleviates stress, and fosters overall mental well-being. For IDF soldiers, this therapy offers a non-clinical, grounded environment for processing trauma and reconnecting with a sense of inner peace.

Given the sustained impact of conflict on the mental health of IDF soldiers, ecotherapy is a vital component of a comprehensive support system. By offering a community-centered, accessible approach, ecotherapy can help mitigate the lingering effects of trauma, support family reintegration, and aid in maintaining stability in daily life and employment.

The Power of Nature-Based Therapy for PTSD

Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness of nature-based therapy as a complementary treatment for combat-related PTSD and other mental health conditions. NBT leverages the restorative properties of natural environments to reduce symptoms associated with trauma, such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and depressive symptoms, and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Research shows that immersive natural settings provide therapeutic benefits for veterans with PTSD by decreasing stress, enhancing emotional regulation, and fostering resilience. For example, a study by Poulsen (2017) demonstrated that structured outdoor activities, such as guided nature walks and horticultural therapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms among veterans, improving their emotional well-being and quality of life.

Project H.O.M.E., a nature-based therapeutic program explored by Laverdure (2022), showed similar results, with veterans reporting fewer PTSD symptoms and improved coping mechanisms through activities such as mindfulness, equine therapy, and nature immersion. Participants not only experienced symptom relief but also felt more prepared to reintegrate into civilian life after their retreats.

Furthermore, Matise and Price-Howard (2020) documented significant improvements in trauma-related symptoms, including hypervigilance and avoidance, in participants of Heroes on the Water, an ecotherapy program specifically designed for individuals with PTSD. The combination of physical activity and nature exposure fostered a safe space for reflection and emotional healing.

Additional studies, such as those by Jordan and Hinds (2022) and Buzzell and Chalquist (2023), confirm these findings, revealing that connecting with nature can help trauma survivors manage symptoms effectively. By allowing veterans to find calm, build resilience, and form supportive connections, nature-based therapy offers a transformative approach to healing.

These findings underscore the value of Nature-Based Therapy  as part of our mission to support Israeli veterans. Through scientifically backed methods, we aim to help veterans not only process their experiences but also find a renewed sense of peace and possibility in their lives.