One in Five Israelis Still Struggling Mentally Three Years After Oct. 7 Attack

Approximately one in five Israelis continue to experience significant impairment in their daily functioning due to mental health issues three years after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, according to a new study. The findings, published Sunday by the National Mental Health Barometer, indicate that women report more difficulties than men. Among individuals aged 18-35, 32% reported impaired functioning, compared to about 20% in the overall sample. The study, conducted by Clalit Health Services' Research Institute, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute in Jerusalem, surveyed a representative population sample updated through May 2026. Researchers found that while most Israelis continue to work and manage their households, 50% reported affected leisure activities and 35% struggle with forming or maintaining close relationships. Around 15% of respondents were personally exposed to the October 7 events or lost or had a loved one injured in the subsequent fighting, a level researchers described as "dramatic" and unprecedented compared to other national traumas, such as the 9/11 attacks where direct exposure was around 4%. Professor Ran Balicer, deputy director general of Clalit, highlighted the unique nature of the October 7th trauma, noting the impact of direct exposure and shocking media content. The study found a strong association between consuming such content and symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, recommending avoidance of unnecessary exposure to graphic images. About a third of Israelis exceeded clinical thresholds for at least one of these three disorders during the observed period. While half of those with anxiety symptoms returned to normal levels, only 38% with PTSD did, with over 60% of those showing significant PTSD symptoms still suffering substantially and chronically. Despite a third of the population reporting a need for treatment, half have not sought it, citing reasons such as preferring to manage alone or disinterest in available healthcare services. The study also noted that feeling supported, whether by family (66% reported strong family support) or community (39% reported community support), is linked to better resilience. Conversely, those feeling unsupported face a higher risk of distress. Hadar Samuel, a researcher at the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, stated that while most of the population is recovering, a significant group continues to struggle, emphasizing the need for expanded mental health services and strengthened social, familial, and community ties to help the population overcome war-related sequelae.