National Trauma: 20% of Israelis Report Severe Functional Impairment Three Years Post-October 7

Three years after the October 7th attacks, a significant portion of the Israeli population continues to experience severe psychological distress and functional impairment, according to a new study by Clalit Research Institute and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute. The "National Barometer for Mental Health" survey reveals that approximately 20% of Israelis report a severe decline in daily functioning due to their mental state. This level of impairment has not decreased even as acute symptoms have lessened between October 2024 and May 2026.

The study highlights an unprecedented level of trauma exposure, with about 15% of respondents defining themselves as having the highest personal exposure. This includes those who were present during the October 7th events or later terror incidents, or who personally know someone killed, injured, or abducted. This exposure rate is dramatically higher than in previous national trauma events, such as the 9/11 attacks in the US, where direct exposure was around 4%.

Young women, aged 18-35, are disproportionately affected, with 32% reporting impaired functioning due to mental health issues, compared to about 20% overall. This group also shows higher rates of clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While general functioning in areas like household management and work has remained relatively stable, social functioning has been significantly impacted. Half of respondents reported a decline in leisure activities, and 35% struggle to maintain close relationships, despite identifying social connections as a key coping resource.

"The mental distress is becoming chronic for a significant portion of the population, accompanied by deep functional impairment," stated Prof. Ran Balicer, Vice President and Head of Innovation Division at Clalit. He emphasized the unprecedented global scale of exposure to trauma, both directly and indirectly through media content, underscoring the need for expanded mental health services and tailored support for at-risk groups.

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. She expressed particular concern over the impact on social life, where individuals become more isolated precisely when social support is most crucial for resilience. The study also found a strong link between exposure to difficult media content and the reporting of PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms.