Post-War Surge in Young Israelis Seeking Mental Health Support

Since the outbreak of the war on October 7th, there has been a significant increase in young Israelis seeking mental health assistance. A program run by the Ministry of Health, operated by the Amanat group, is currently supporting over 2,500 individuals with mental health challenges in navigating their rights and rebuilding their daily lives. Approximately 65% of those receiving support are young adults under the age of 35.

The "Treatment Coordination" program, managed by Dialog from the Amanat Pro group, aims to help individuals who have been recognized by the National Insurance Institute as having at least 40% mental disability and are eligible for rehabilitation services. While not a substitute for psychological or psychiatric treatment, the program's coordinators assist individuals in coordinating care, accessing their rights, and developing personalized plans that address daily life aspects such as work, studies, social connections, and home functioning.

Yuval Shneider, a 28-year-old survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, shared his experience of struggling to find direction and purpose after the events of October 7th. After being referred to the "Treatment Coordination" program, he has been meeting weekly with his coordinator, Meitar Yaler. Together, they have been breaking down his goals into manageable steps, helping him with everything from dealing with the National Insurance Institute to obtaining a driver's license and enrolling in academic studies. "There were times I was home a lot and didn't know how to start moving forward," Shneider said. "Meitar helped me break down big tasks into small steps. Not just telling me what can be done, but actually helping me get there."

Yaler, who also participates in the program as an "expert colleague" with personal experience in mental health struggles, emphasized the importance of having someone who understands an individual's situation and helps them find a path forward. She noted that there isn't a single path for everyone and that sometimes, crises can lead to discovering new priorities.

Tzila Statman, Deputy CEO and Director of the Social Division at Amanat Pro Group, stated that the program currently supports over 2,500 individuals. She observed a significant shift in the public discourse surrounding mental health, with increased awareness and willingness to seek help. Statman also pointed out that while many participants are directly affected by the war, the program also assists individuals whose pre-existing mental health issues were exacerbated by recent events, stressing that mental distress doesn't always appear immediately.