Three Years On: Prolonged Conflict's Deepening Mental Health Toll in Israel
A new study reveals a 121% surge in psychiatric emergency visits among Israeli children and adolescents since October 7, highlighting the war's profound psychological impact.
Highlights
- Psychiatric emergency visits for Israeli children and teenagers have more than doubled since the conflict began.
- One in five Israelis reports significant daily functional impairment due to mental health challenges.
- Approximately one-third of the Israeli population believes they require mental health treatment.
- Between January 2024 and July 2025, 279 suicide attempts were recorded among active-duty soldiers, with combat personnel accounting for 78% of military suicide deaths in 2024.
- Repeated exposure to threats, such as missile alerts and displacement, transforms routine decisions into safety concerns, contributing to enduring psychological distress.
Details
According to the National Mental Health Barometer, a collaborative study by Clalit Health Services' Research Institute and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, one-fifth of Israelis are experiencing severe difficulties in their daily lives because of mental health issues. Separate research from Clalit, shared with Al Jazeera, indicates a 121% rise in psychiatric emergency visits for children and adolescents compared to the pre-war period. This increase reflects families grappling with grief and uncertainty about the future.
Experts note that sustained exposure to danger can result in lasting psychological problems. A psychiatry professor from a Dutch university explained that constant alerts and displacement force individuals to prioritize safety in everyday choices. Similarly, a professor from a London-based institute specializing in psychiatry and neuroscience observed that individuals who suffer home destruction or loss of loved ones may develop post-traumatic conditions or depression. The impact of the prolonged conflict is also evident among military personnel. Data from the Israeli parliament shows 279 suicide attempts by active-duty soldiers between January 2024 and July 2025, with combat soldiers representing a significant majority of military suicide fatalities in 2024.
Why it matters
These findings underscore the devastating psychological consequences of prolonged conflict on a society, particularly affecting children and soldiers. The escalating trauma experienced by these vulnerable groups could signal future societal challenges. Increasing access to mental health services and support is crucial for mitigating this deepening crisis. As regional instability persists, the psychological burden is expected to intensify, necessitating comprehensive and sustained interventions.