Quick summary: A nationwide Israeli survey shows the share of young adults aged 18–34 meeting clinical thresholds for depression, anxiety, or PTSD fell from 51% in December 2023 to 34% in July 2025, pointing to measurable progress in the mental health response since the Hamas attack of 7th October 2023. Despite this improvement, one in three young adults still experience clinically significant symptoms, and 23% report severe impairment in their ability to study, work, and maintain daily routines. The findings point to the need for sustained, age-specific mental health services as the long-term psychological toll of the conflict continues to affect young Israelis disproportionately.
An ongoing nationwide survey conducted by Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest health organisation, together with the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, reveals a significant improvement in the mental health of young adults since the outbreak of the war, while highlighting that distress and functional impairment remain widespread.
According to the findings, the proportion of Israelis aged 18–34 who met the clinical threshold for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder dropped from 51% in December 2023 to 34% in July 2025. Despite the improvement, one in three young adults continued to experience clinically significant symptoms.
Throughout the study period, younger adults consistently reported higher levels of psychological distress than those aged 35 and above, underscoring the need for age-specific interventions.
A distinguishing feature of the survey is its measurement of not only symptoms but also the functional impact of mental health problems, examining how emotional distress affects people’s ability to study, work, maintain daily routines, and function normally. Twenty-three percent of those aged 18 to 34 reported severe impairment in daily functioning because of their mental health, compared with 19% among adults aged 35 and above.
The findings come against the backdrop of the war that began with the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. The assault, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and hundreds were taken hostage, caused widespread trauma across Israeli society and led to a sharp increase in demand for mental health support.
Professor Ran Balicer, Deputy director general and chief innovation officer at Clalit Health Services, said: “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. Rates of significant symptoms are clearly declining, especially among younger adults. However, we must not be complacent. The years between 18 and 34 are when people build the foundations of adult life, including education, careers, relationships and families. Continued investment in tailored interventions is essential to prevent psychological distress from becoming entrenched and causing long term impairment.”
Hadar Samuel of the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute added: “What makes this survey unique is that it looks beyond symptoms and examines their real world consequences. The connection between psychological distress and impaired functioning provides a deeper understanding of the war’s impact on the population. The finding that 23% of young adults report severe functional impairment shows that the challenge extends beyond emotional suffering. It affects people’s ability to study, work, maintain social relationships and live normal lives.
“The decline in distress levels is an important and encouraging finding. 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.”
