The Psychological Impact of the Ongoing Conflict in Israel

Since the onset of the second Iran war on October 7, 2023, Israel has experienced significant psychological distress among its population. Over 82,000 sirens have sounded nationwide, leading to a surge in anxiety and mental health issues. The Israeli Health Ministry reports that more than 38,000 individuals have sought mental health support, with 28,496 calls to the emotional support hotline ERAN, 6,948 calls to health fund hotlines, and 3,116 inquiries to resilience centers.

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Dr. Gilad Bodenheimer, head of the Health Ministry’s Mental Health Division, explains that "anxiety casualties" encompass a wide range of psychological responses to trauma, not limited to panic attacks. While 333 anxiety casualties have been reported in hospitals, officials caution that these numbers may not fully capture the extent of the issue, as many individuals do not seek emergency care. Dr. Oren Tene, director of the psychiatric division at Ichilov Hospital, notes that treatment varies significantly among patients, with some experiencing temporary anxiety and others developing severe panic attacks due to prolonged security threats.

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Ayala Ben Harosh, a 57-year-old resident of Nahariya, describes her life-changing experience of anxiety attacks following her exposure to sirens. She recounts feeling overwhelmed and unsafe, often retreating to a safe room at home. Similarly, Cecile Prinz, a social worker living with complex PTSD, shares her struggles with extreme tension and avoidance behaviors, highlighting the pervasive impact of the conflict on daily life.

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Experts emphasize the importance of community support and human connection in coping with anxiety. Dr. Bodenheimer suggests that the presence of another person can provide a sense of stability during anxiety attacks. The Health Ministry has implemented a national psychological first aid approach, known as the Ma’aseh model, which focuses on restoring a sense of safety and encouraging effective action. Additionally, simple grounding techniques, such as breathing exercises and engaging with familiar content, are recommended to help individuals manage their anxiety.

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As the conflict continues, the health system is preparing for a potential wave of mental health cases. Dr. Tene warns that psychological responses may not manifest immediately, with conditions like depression and OCD potentially worsening over time. The ongoing situation underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support as the community navigates the challenges posed by the conflict.

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• “Every door slam startles me, I begin to shake.” — Ayala Ben Harosh, Resident of Nahariya

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• “ Photo: Private “Living through a period like this, with anxiety attacks at such intensity, is exhausting.” — Cecile Prinz, Social Worker

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• “If someone near you speaks calmly and says, ‘I’m here with you until it passes,’ that alone can be very helpful.” — Dr. Oren Tene, Psychiatrist

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The psychological toll of the ongoing conflict in Israel highlights the urgent need for mental health resources and community support to help individuals cope with the pervasive anxiety and trauma experienced during this challenging time.

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