The recent State Comptroller’s report thoroughly examines the mental health treatment system for the civilian population following the October 7th War. The report presents a troubling picture: widespread psychological harm among the Israeli population, both direct and indirect, and a mental health system overwhelmed by the demand, leading to the broadening and deepening of symptoms of post-trauma, anxiety, and depression. In addition to the complete lack of reference or data concerning the ultra-Orthodox community, almost absent from the report are Arab citizens who comprise 21% of Israel’s population. Despite its brevity,  the report’s mention of Arab society is revealing and deserves more profound analysis.

Data shows that a more significant proportion of Arab citizens report symptoms across all categories: post-trauma is at 54% in Arab society compared to 32% in Jewish society; depression is at49% in Arab society compared to 30% in Jewish society; Anxiety is at35% in Arab society compared to 19% in Jewish society. Within Arab society, the most vulnerable groups are women and individuals without family support networks.

A striking statistic emerges from the analysis: within the same residential areas, there is a significant difference in mental health outcomes between Arab and Jewish residents. In other words, the difference between Arab and Jewish society does not stem from living in different areas but from the fundamental differences between the communities.

The effects of anxiety, depression, and post-trauma are far-reaching: anger, dysfunction, lack of focus, and deterioration in family relationships and responsibilities. Some people stop working or looking for work,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)