Mental Health Crisis Grips Israel: Sharp Rise in PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety After Hamas-led Attack

Written By:

Written By:

Untitled design 2024 01 08T152528.931 1

In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack led by Hamas, Israel is grappling with a sharp increase in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting both Jewish and Arab communities, according to a study by researchers at Ruppin Academic Center near Moshav Kfar Monash and Columbia University in New York.

Mental Health Crisis Grips Israel

The study, recently published in “EClinicalMedicine 2023” by The Lancet, reveals alarming figures, indicating a near doubling of probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety in the weeks following the Hamas-led attacks. The prevalence rates reached 29% for PTSD, 42% for depression, and 44% for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), nearly twice the recorded rates just two months before the assault.

A national survey, encompassing a sample of 710 individuals aged 18 to 85, highlighted the profound psychological toll inflicted by the unprecedented terrorist attack.

Unprecedented Terrorist Attack:

The researchers emphasized the exceptional nature of the terrorist attack, describing it as “brutal, vast, and unprecedented.” The assault on southern Israel marked a turning point, breaking almost a decade of relative calm, punctuated by sporadic Israeli retaliation for rocket attacks from Hamas across the Gaza border.

Clinical psychologist Prof. Yossi Levi-Belz, leading the study at the Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies at the Ruppin Academic Center, noted that the prevalence of PTSD, depression, and anxiety following this attack surpassed that reported in previous studies focusing on terrorist events, including the 9/11 attacks.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations:

The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on individuals already grappling with psychological difficulties. Pre-existing symptoms of probable PTSD, depression, and GAD were robust predictors of increased psychological burden post-attack.

Individuals with pre-attack PTSD symptoms were found to face a doubled risk of probable PTSD in the aftermath.

Nationwide Cohort Study:

Setting itself apart from previous research, the nationwide cohort study adopted a prospective design, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the attack’s impact. Assessing a diverse cohort of Israeli citizens, both Jewish and Arab, the study conducted surveys six to seven weeks before and five to six weeks after the attacks, using measures including PTSD, depression, and GAD.

Global Context:

The study aligns with a broader global understanding that traumatic events, particularly war and armed conflicts, can lead to a surge in post-traumatic stress and depression.

The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in the United States serves as a stark example, with up to 20% of directly exposed or injured individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms five to six years later.

Immediate Assessment and Intervention Urgency:

Coauthor and Columbia Medical Center Prof. Yuval Neria stressed the importance of immediate assessment for those exposed to severe trauma, considering pre-attack psychological difficulties.

He emphasized the need for leaders and policymakers to allocate resources for evidence-based treatments, advocating for accessible early to mid-term interventions to promote self- and community efficacy, connectedness, and hope.

As Israel grapples with the psychological fallout from the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, the study underscores the urgency of mental health support and intervention to address the profound and lasting impact on the nation’s well-being.


— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

6 Things Controlling Partners Do (That You Should Never Ignore)

Things Controlling Partners Do (That You Should Never Ignore)

Controlling partners often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize. Are you also in a relationship with someone who makes you feel loved at one point then in another constantly dictates your actions, thoughts, or even emotions?

These are classic signs of controlling partners. They often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize.

So if you want to identify these signs then below are what controlling partners do to you.

Up Next

Rewriting Your Story: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Personal Growth

Personal Growth

Life is like a movie with no script

Sometimes things go off track.

A lost job.A broken heart.A dream that falls apart.

These tough spots may seem like bad chapters.But what if they are the start of your best tale?

They show hidden strengths.They have clues for your growth.Resilience means bending without breaking.

Your story is not done yet.You hold the pen.You can change the plot.

1. The Power of Perspective: Your Pain Isn’t the Whole Story

When life knocks you dow

Up Next

Marriage of Convenience or True Love? 8 Signs You’re Just Settling

Marriage of Convenience or True Love? Signs You’re Settling

If you think you are in a marriage of convenience, you will know that it doesn’t feel like a fairy tale, rather it’s about maintaining the status quo. Maybe you are staying in this marriage because everything is “okay” and “stable”.

All the bills are getting paid on time, the house is comfortable, and the kids are happy to have both their parents under the same roof. Moreover, you don’t want to deal with the hassle that comes with filing for a divorce, so you just…stay.

Does this sound familiar? The unfortunate truth is that many married couples stay in a loveless marriage because dealing with the alternate option is scary. They’re together, but they’re not really together. They function more like roommates, business partners, or co-parents rather than lovers.

So, if you have ever thought, “A

Up Next

How To Set Boundaries Like A Pro: 5 Tips And Tricks

How To Set Boundaries Like A Pro Tips And Tricks

Knowing how to set boundaries is a game-changer—it’s how you protect your time, energy, and sanity without feeling guilty. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, setting boundaries helps you avoid burnout and unnecessary drama. Let’s talk about how to do it like a pro.

KEY POINTS

Upholding our boundaries means sometimes saying “no” when others wish we would say “yes.”

Setting boundaries can create conflict, even when our behavior is healthy and we act with kindness.

It’s normal to feel uneasy or even guilty after people react badly to our boundaries.

Up Next

February 2025 Monthly Horoscope: Predictions For Each Zodiac Sign

Accurate Monthly Horoscope For Zodiac Signs

Here’s your monthly horoscope for February 2025!

The month starts with Aquarius season in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to march to the beat of your own drum and forget about what anyone else thinks. The beginning of the month also brings a dreamy and almost magical energy between Venus, Neptune, and the North Node in Pisces. This is the vibe for deep, fated connections and romantic moments that feel straight out of a fantasy. Trust your gut—love is in the air, and it’s looking pretty rosy.

On February 4, Jupiter ends its retrograde in Gemini, meaning the floodgates to abundance are about to swing wide open. That same day, Venus moves into fiery Aries, giving love and pleasure a boost of passion. Get ready to make bold moves and go after what you want. Then, on February 9, Mercury has a moment of brilliance in Aquarius

Up Next

Here’s What First New Moon Of The Year Means For Each Zodiac Sign

What the New Moon in Aquarius Means for All Zodiac Signs

The new moon in Aquarius is here to kick off a fresh lunar cycle! This powerful new moon, which happens on January 29 at 7:36 a.m. EST, brings a chance for new beginnings. As it falls in the innovative and forward-thinking sign of Aquarius, it’s a time to welcome change, creativity, and fresh ideas.

Aquarius is all about thinking outside the box, focusing on the bigger picture, and connecting with others. This new moon will highlight themes of friendship, community, and collaboration, making it a great time to set intentions related to teamwork and group activities.

With Aquarius encouraging radical shifts and new perspectives, you may feel a burst of inspiration or experience a shift in how you see the world. New moons are the perfect time to reflect and plan, so take advantage of this energy to make thoughtful

Up Next

Let Kids Be Kids? 6 Identifying Signs of Hurried Child Syndrome

Clear Hurried Child Syndrome Symptoms

Some of us felt the pressure to grow up too fast… meet deadlines, succeed academically, and always be on top of things—before we were even ready. It turns out, this pressure is real for some children today, and it’s called Hurried Child Syndrome. Let’s explore more about this condition.

What Is Hurried Child Syndrome?

Wondering what is Hurried Child Syndrome? It re