TEL AVIV, Israel โ Mental health among young Israeli adults has improved significantly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, according to new findings from an ongoing nationwide survey conducted by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute. However, researchers caution that psychological distress remains alarmingly high, with approximately one in three young adults still experiencing clinically significant symptoms.
The latest survey results, released this week, found that the proportion of Israelis aged 18 to 34 meeting the clinical threshold for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder fell from 51 percent in December 2023 to 34 percent by July 2025.
Although the decline represents substantial progress, researchers emphasized that the figures remain considerably above pre-war expectations and continue to exceed those reported among older adults.
According to the study, younger Israelis consistently reported higher levels of psychological distress throughout the survey period than those aged 35 and older.
Researchers say the findings underscore the continuing psychological impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the prolonged conflict that followed.
One of the survey’s distinguishing features is its examination not only of mental health symptoms but also of how those symptoms affect everyday functioning.
The study assessed participants’ ability to work, pursue education, maintain relationships, and carry out normal daily activities.
On these measures, younger adults again fared worse than older Israelis.
Twenty-three percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 reported severe impairment in daily functioning as a result of mental health difficulties. By comparison, 19 percent of respondents aged 35 and older reported similar levels of impairment.
In practical terms, researchers noted, nearly one in four young Israeli adults is struggling not only with emotional distress but also with substantial disruption to daily life.
Prof. Ran Balicer, Deputy Director General and Chief Innovation Officer at Clalit Health Services, said the findings suggest that extensive mental health initiatives implemented since October 7 are beginning to have a measurable impact.
“The findings suggest that the extensive efforts undertaken by Israel’s healthcare system since October 7, including proactive and responsive mental health programs led by Clalit, are beginning to show results,” Balicer said.
“Rates of significant symptoms are clearly declining, especially among younger adults. However, we must not be complacent.”
Balicer stressed that the years between 18 and 34 represent a critical stage in life, during which individuals establish careers, pursue higher education, form long-term relationships, and begin raising families.
“The years between 18 and 34 are when people build the foundations of adult life, including education, careers, relationships, and families,” he said. “Continued investment in tailored interventions is essential to prevent psychological distress from becoming entrenched and causing long-term impairment.”
Researchers involved in the survey said the study’s emphasis on functional impairment provides a deeper understanding of the war’s impact on Israeli society.
Hadar Samuel of the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute said the survey goes beyond simply documenting symptoms.
“What makes this survey unique is that it looks beyond symptoms and examines their real-world consequences,” Samuel said.
“The connection between psychological distress and impaired functioning provides a deeper understanding of the war’s impact on the population.”
Samuel noted that the continuing high levels of functional impairment among young adults remain a major concern.
“The finding that 23 percent of young adults report severe functional impairment shows that the challenge extends beyond emotional suffering,” Samuel said. “It affects people’s ability to study, work, maintain social relationships, and live normal lives.”
While researchers described the reduction in psychological distress as encouraging, they stressed that substantial work remains to be done.
“The decline in distress levels is an important and encouraging finding,” Samuel added. “Yet the fact that one in three young adults still reports significant symptoms, and nearly one in four experiences severe impairment in daily functioning, underscores the need for continued investment in accessible, proactive, and youth-focused mental health services.”
Mental health experts in Israel have repeatedly warned that the psychological effects of prolonged conflict may continue long after active hostilities end.
The October 7 attacks, during which Hamas terrorists killed approximately 1,200 people and abducted 251 others, triggered widespread trauma throughout Israeli society. Many Israelis have also endured months of rocket attacks, reserve military service, displacement from their homes, and uncertainty regarding hostages still being held in Gaza.
Healthcare providers have responded by expanding mental health services, increasing access to trauma counseling, and developing targeted support programs for vulnerable populations, including young adults, soldiers, evacuees, and survivors of the October 7 attacks.
Researchers said the survey findings highlight both the resilience demonstrated by many young Israelis and the continuing need for sustained national investment in mental health infrastructure.
As Israel continues to navigate the long-term consequences of war, experts say ensuring that young adults receive timely and effective support will remain essential to the country’s social and economic recovery.
