Mental Health Crisis in the Middle East Deepens Amid Escalating Conflicts
On World Mental Health Day, experts highlight the widespread psychological toll of ongoing war, displacement, and trauma, as humanitarian efforts strain to meet the overwhelming demand for mental health care
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, an international effort to raise awareness of mental health. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to expand, that effort has become all the more pressing. Mental health professionals in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon are all struggling to support populations suffering from widespread trauma caused by ongoing conflicts and displacement.
The mental health effects of the Israel-Hamas war are severe in both Israel and Gaza. Many Israelis are suffering from anxiety, severe stress reactions, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Experts say that the October 7 attacks have deeply traumatized the nation, with additional stress from the ongoing hostage crisis creating a sense of psychological torture.
Israeli humanitarian groups have responded to the mental health crisis by sending mental health professionals to the hardest-hit areas and offering resilience-building programs. But the country remains on edge, dealing with both immediate threats and the emotional strain of constant vigilance.
In Gaza, the war has displaced over 1.9 million people and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Many of the displaced Palestinians now live in overcrowded, unsafe conditions, exacerbating the mental health crisis. Doctors Without Borders has provided more than 8,800 mental health consultations since the conflict began, addressing widespread cases of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Meanwhile, intensified clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border have increased anxiety and stress for both Lebanese and Israelis. These psychological pressures are worsened by Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crises, leaving many without sufficient mental health care.
Izabel Tytar, a psychotherapist based in the United Arab Emirates, has worked with expats from across the Middle East, especially Lebanon and Gaza, for over three years. Since the recent conflict began, she has noticed a sharp decline in her clients’ well-being.
“With the ongoing conflict and instability in the region, I’ve noticed a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues among people in Dubai, especially within expatriate communities,” Tytar told The Media Line.
Conflict and displacement can have long-term effects on mental health, she said. “Many people develop chronic issues like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Over time, the stress really wears down their resilience, and they can start feeling hopeless,” she explained.
A lot of clients describe feeling helpless and like they’ve lost control over their lives, which is understandable given the situation
Constant exposure to distressing news, fear for loved ones, and overwhelming uncertainty are recurring themes in her sessions. “A lot of clients describe feeling helpless and like they’ve lost control over their lives, which is understandable given the situation,” Tytar said.
She said that children, refugees, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. “Refugees face the additional burden of losing their homes and the uncertainty of displacement, which can really impact their mental health. The elderly, on the other hand, often struggle more with adapting to such big changes, leaving them feeling even more isolated and helpless,” she said.
Tytar noted that the United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in mental health support during the conflict. “There’s been a genuine push to enhance support, with groups and sliding-scale fees assisting people from various financial backgrounds. It’s encouraging to see these efforts helping people access the care they need,” she said.
Emi Palmor, who chairs the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, known as NATAL, said that Israelis are facing “a huge collective trauma.” The October 7 attacks “changed our vision about the capacity of terrorist attacks to endanger our personal security,” she said.
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The displacement of 150,000 Israelis and the mobilization of 300,000 reservists have added additional levels of fear and anxiety, Palmor, who previously served as director general of the Ministry of Justice, said. Combined with concern for the 103 hostages still held in Gaza, many Israelis feel that the trauma is unending.
“Everyone feels that it could happen to us, and also that it could happen again,” she said.
NATAL provides services to all Israelis, regardless of background. “We know how to answer in Arabic,” Palmor said. “The organization has been working with 240 municipalities, including many Arab ones, to build resilience and raise awareness about mental health services.”
Historically, Israel’s mental health system has been underfunded, Palmor said, describing it as the “backyard of the Ministry of Health.”
Before the war, waiting times for public mental health services could stretch to 18 months
“Before the war, waiting times for public mental health services could stretch to 18 months. Since October 7, NATAL has expanded its services, treating over 2,300 people weekly and increasing its therapists from 100 to 500. Yet, demand continues to exceed available resources,” she said.
She said that the organization is receiving more funding and is working to diversify its offerings.
Palmor pointed to a major policy change: for the first time, Israel’s National Insurance Institute is recognizing mental health disabilities in relatives of terror victims who saw recordings of attacks online, even if they were not physically present.
A significant challenge in addressing Israel’s mental health crisis is that mental health professionals themselves are also affected,” Palmor said. “We all have a shared reality. We did not sleep at night because my son and the son of the chief psychologist of NATAL were serving in Gaza. … We were first and foremost, very worried mothers of our sons,” she said.
Some Israelis have lost relatives, some have been displaced from their homes, and some are living in conflict zones, but many are hesitant to seek help, Palmor said. “A lot of people say, ‘If I open up, I will collapse,’ or ‘I’ll go back to therapy when my son comes back, or when I return home,’” she noted.
Her daughter’s partner, for example, has faced cycles of improving and declining mental health tied to his frequent service in the reserves.
“Every time there’s an improvement, something happens, and it deteriorates,” she said.
Especially for men, the stigma around mental health struggles remains a barrier. “In a country where every boy knows he will have to go to the army at 18, there is an expectation to be strong,” Palmor said.
She said that Arab Israelis are even more affected by cultural expectations of resilience. “For years, NATAL has worked to break the stigma in these communities, particularly among the Druze, who serve in the army,” Palmor explained. “Recently, the organization introduced group therapy for Druze grandmothers, a culturally sensitive way to raise awareness and provide mental health support in a trusted setting.”
Tytar also pointed to stigma as a barrier preventing people from accessing care.
In the Middle East, seeking therapy can sometimes be seen as a weakness, so people hesitate to reach out
“In the Middle East, seeking therapy can sometimes be seen as a weakness, so people hesitate to reach out,” she said. “On top of that, there are financial issues, and not everyone knows what resources are available. Language and cultural differences can also make it harder to connect with the right kind of support.”
She said that cultural norms play a significant role. “There’s a strong emphasis on being resilient and handling things on your own, which makes it tough for people to talk about their struggles. Family honor and reputation are huge factors here, and many worry that seeking help could reflect poorly on their families,” she said.
Tytar noted a positive shift, particularly among younger generations and those in urban areas, who are beginning to discuss mental health more openly.
Although awareness is increasing, misconceptions remain. “Some think mental health challenges can be overcome with sheer willpower or view them as character flaws,” Tytar said. “Others associate these issues with religious or moral failings, preventing people from seeking help. Unfortunately, stigma around conditions like PTSD and depression remains strong, especially in conservative circles.”
