Three Years Post-October 7, 20% of Israelis Report Severe Functional Impairment

A comprehensive study tracking the mental health of Israelis since the October 7th attacks reveals that approximately 20% of the population reports severe impairment in daily functioning due to their mental state. The research, conducted by Clalit Research Institute and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, also found that 23% of those diagnosed with a mental disorder were first diagnosed after October 7th. Notably, this high rate of functional impairment persisted even as symptoms decreased between October 2024 and May 2026.

Internationally, Israel's exposure to trauma is exceptionally high. About 15% of respondents reported the highest level of personal exposure, either by being present during the October 7th events or later terror incidents, or by knowing someone closely affected, killed, or kidnapped. This contrasts sharply with the 4% exposure rate following the 9/11 attacks.

The study further indicates that one-third of Israelis feel they need mental health treatment, with a quarter of those diagnosed for the first time after October 7th. A strong link was found between exposure to difficult media content and increased symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Individuals lacking adequate family or community support are at higher risk for mental distress and functional impairment.

Women, particularly young women aged 18-35, report higher levels of distress. This age group experiences a 32% functional impairment rate due to mental health issues, compared to about 20% overall. Additionally, about a third of young women cross clinical thresholds for anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms.

While work and household management remained relatively stable, social functioning and leisure activities were significantly impacted. Many Israelis struggle to maintain and form close relationships. Despite a decrease in symptoms over time, about a third of the population crossed a clinical threshold for anxiety, depression, or PTSD at some point. More than 60% of those who crossed the threshold for PTSD still reported significant symptoms, indicating chronic suffering.

Professor Ran Balicer, Vice President and Head of Innovation at Clalit, stated that mental distress is becoming chronic for a significant portion of the population, leading to deep functional impairment. He emphasized the unprecedented global scale of trauma exposure resulting from October 7th. Hadar Samuel, a Senior Researcher at the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, noted that while most of the population is recovering, a substantial group continues to struggle, highlighting the need for diverse and new support methods. She expressed particular concern over the impact on social life, with individuals reducing leisure activities and finding it difficult to maintain close ties, precisely when social connections are crucial for coping.