One Third of Israelis Report Need for Mental Health Treatment
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
A survey by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that 35% of Israelis report needing mental health treatment, a slight decrease from previous surveys. Women, Arabs, and low-income individuals are at higher risk, as are those exposed to difficult media content. While overall distress has decreased, social functioning and leisure activities have been significantly impacted for many, highlighting the need for continued and diversified support, especially within family and community networks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 35% of Israelis report needing mental health treatment, according to a new survey.
- Women, Arabs, and low-income individuals are identified as higher-risk groups for psychological distress.
- 15% of respondents were directly or indirectly affected by the October 7th attacks or subsequent war.
- Social functioning and leisure activities have been significantly impaired for half of those surveyed.
- Researchers emphasize the importance of family and community support in coping with war-related trauma.
A recent survey indicates that 35% of Israelis report needing mental health treatment, a figure that represents a slight decrease compared to previous surveys. The study, conducted by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, surveyed 2,713 adults in July 2025, with 47% of respondents having participated in previous rounds of the "National Mental Health Barometer" research.
Key demographics identified as being at higher risk for psychological distress include women, Arabs, and individuals with low incomes. Additionally, those exposed to difficult media content and people reporting lower coping abilities are also more vulnerable. The survey found a significant link between exposure to harsh media content and the reporting of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Approximately 15% of respondents reported being present at a terror event on October 7th, involved in the Swords of Iron War, or knowing someone personally affected, killed, or kidnapped.
While the overall rate of individuals crossing clinical thresholds for depression, anxiety, and PTSD has decreased, the survey highlights a severe impact on daily functioning for many. One in five respondents reported significant functional impairment, with this figure rising to half of those with moderate clinical distress and two-thirds of those with high clinical distress. In contrast, only about 4% of those not crossing clinical thresholds reported severe functional impairment.
Young women aged 18-35 are particularly affected, with 32% reporting distress and functional impairment, compared to 20% in the general population. The study emphasizes that social functioning has been significantly impacted, with 50% of respondents reporting a decline in leisure activities and 35% struggling to maintain social connections, despite these social ties being identified as crucial resilience factors.
Hadar Samuel, a researcher at the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, noted that while most of the population is recovering, a significant group continues to struggle. She stressed the importance of continued and diversified support, particularly in the social sphere, as social connections are vital anchors for coping. Samuel also pointed out that family and community support networks are strongly linked to coping abilities, suggesting that strengthening these alongside mental health services is crucial for addressing the war's psychological aftermath.
