If dealing with trauma weren’t enough after two years of war here in Israel, I’ve noticed another challenging psychological byproduct: nonstop rumination.

This rumination takes the form of endless arguments in my head with people attacking me and my country—not only about Israel’s policies but about our very right to exist. I take the bait more often than I’d like to admit. Sometimes I feel like a moth to a flame, especially when the legitimacy of my home is attacked by family, friends, former colleagues, and on social media. When the very essence of who I am is attacked, threatened, and delegitimized, it’s hard not to feel defensive, regardless of whether I support everything my country is doing or not.

Too often, I find myself inventing situations where I’m presenting facts, making my points, and ultimately besting my imaginary opponent—only to replay this tape over and over on the........

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