In the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks, Israel is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, according to experts who warn of heightened anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the population.
A study published on January 5 in the Lancet medical journal asserts that “all citizens in Israel were, in some fashion, exposed to this attack of unprecedented scope and traumatic impact,” indicating a widespread and profound impact on the nation’s mental health. The research, co-authored by clinical psychologist Yossi Levi-Belz, delves into PTSD, depression, and anxiety rates post-attack, revealing a significant and broad impact on the mental well-being of Israelis.
Health Minister Uriel Buso has acknowledged pre-existing shortcomings in mental health provision, predating the conflict, and admits the need for a substantial leap to address the issue effectively.
The violence unfolded on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot when Hamas militants breached the militarized border with Gaza. Civilians were indiscriminately killed in towns, kibbutzim, and even at a desert music festival. The security forces suffered significant losses during the three-day intense fighting required for Israel to regain control of its territory.
According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, over 1,160 people in Israel lost their lives, with most being civilians. Authorities are still investigating reports of sexual violence accompanying the killings, while the fate of 132 hostages in Gaza, 27 of whom are believed to have died, continues to haunt the nation.
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel launched a relentless military offensive targeting Hamas, resulting in the death of at least 27,131 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The conflict has displaced over 1.7 million Gazans, as reported by the United Nations.
Since the attack, Israel’s Eran Emotional First Aid helpline has experienced a surge in calls, nearly doubling from the day of the incident. Survivors, families of victims and hostages, rescuers, and police officers have all sought support. Even those not directly impacted have reported feelings of distress, with Shiri Daniels, the director of the helpline, noting that “everyone in Israel identifies with the victims.”
The mental health toll extends beyond those directly affected, with children unable to be left alone at night, adults struggling to concentrate, and individuals consumed by guilt over an inability to save loved ones.
Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov estimates that out of Israel’s 9.7 million population, approximately 100,000 have been exposed to potentially traumatizing incidents, and around 200,000 have been displaced due to the violence.
Even before the conflict, Israel faced mental health challenges exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization reported a significant rise in mental distress among Israeli adolescents from 20% in 2019 to 30% in 2022.
Acknowledging the pre-existing deficiencies, Health Minister Buso stated in a January release that a “significant quantum leap” in mental health care is imperative. Despite a shortage of qualified professionals, the Israeli government has announced a recruitment campaign and allocated an additional 1.4 billion shekels (S$515 million) in mid-January to bolster the mental health system.
Experts caution that it is still too early to accurately assess the psychological scars left by the attack or determine the necessary treatments. Psychologist Milca Adrey of OneFamily, an association supporting victims of attacks in Israel, highlights that while not everyone may develop PTSD, the events of October 7 could resurrect previous traumas, including for Holocaust survivors. One such survivor, Madam Suzy Sprecher, in her eighties, shared how reports of children being detained in underground tunnels in Gaza have affected her.