‘Israel’ faces a “mental health tsunami” with two million people needing support.
Rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction have surged since October 2023.
Experts warn of long-term societal trauma affecting families, communities, and future generations.
‘Israel’ is confronting what experts are calling a “mental health tsunami,” with approximately two million citizens requiring support as addiction rates rise and social cohesion suffers, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
In a detailed report published Friday, the news outlet said mental health professionals have sounded the alarm over a steep increase in people seeking help since October 7, 2023. At the same time, a shortage of therapists and mental health services has raised concerns of potentially catastrophic consequences.
Last week, a coalition of eight leading mental health organisations issued an urgent warning to the government, describing the situation as an “outbreak of mental illness unprecedented in its depth and scope.” The groups labelled the crisis “catastrophic” and called for immediate intervention.
“The psychological state and well-being of Israeli society are at a low point we have never seen before,” the coalition said, highlighting widespread signs of depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion. They also warned of “deep and prolonged collective trauma” and a growing breakdown in public trust that could affect future generations.
– Statistics –
Data cited by Yedioth Ahronoth reveal dramatic increases in mental health challenges nationwide. Diagnoses of depression and anxiety in 2024 were double those recorded in 2013, while PTSD cases surged 70 percent each month from October 2023 to the end of 2024, adding 23,600 new patients.
Nearly half of ‘Israelis’ report persistent grief, calls to mental health helplines have increased sixfold, use of psychiatric medications has doubled, and sleep disorders rose by 19 percent during the war. A study by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that half of those affected by October 7 are still struggling, while one in five in the general population suffers severe functional impairment.
Ministry of Health data show a 25 percent increase in therapy sessions since October 7. Short-term psychotherapy cases jumped 471 percent, reaching 20,000 in 2024 compared to 3,500 in 2022. Coalition organisations caution that these figures reflect only those receiving care, with the true scope of the crisis much larger.
Professor Merav Roth of the University of Haifa reported sharp rises in depression, anxiety, addiction, marital problems, and regressive behaviour among children. “One in four people is now at risk of addiction,” she said. “This increase is terrifying.”
– Government and expert response –
Dr. Marina Kupchik, head of the Israeli Psychiatric Association, warned that urgent investment in rehabilitation is critical. “If we do not invest in the psychological rehabilitation of the country, we will pay a higher price in two or three years – in lost workdays, in family and community stability and in occupational functioning.”
The Ministry of Health has unveiled a national rescue plan, aiming to double the number of psychologists, improve salaries, upgrade psychiatric wards, and expand home-based and community services. The plan is estimated to cost 1.7 billion shekels (USD 517 million).
Senior clinicians, however, argue that reforms must go further. Yoram Shliar, chair of the Israel Psychologists Association, criticised reliance on trainee “mental-health assistants” with only three months of training compared to eight years for fully qualified clinicians.
Dr. Ilana Lach warned, “You cannot put a bandage on a bleeding wound. The mental health system must be rebuilt from the ground up.”