Mental Health

A celebration of giving in Jerusalem

The President and First Lady Join Arava Doron’s Bat Mitzvah Initiative

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, IN COLLABORATION WITH ISRAEL PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
President and First Lady join Bat Mitzvah initiative
Studies show that simple petting of a dog or a cat affects stress hormones and returns the body to a calmer state

The surprising way to calm the body during sirens

During sirens, the body enters a state of alertness. Studies show that simple petting of a dog or a cat affects stress hormones and returns the body to a calmer state.

|ByDR. SHARON MAOZ
Many people have been at home for more than three weeks, which raises quite a few health and mental challenges

This is how you will maintain your physical and mental health during the war

Many have stayed home for over three weeks, facing physical and mental challenges. Experts explain how to maintain health during this difficult time – and offer tips ahead of Passover.

|ByMOSHE COHEN
Mental overload

We are all tired now, but these people are experiencing exhausting mental overload

Many of us are required to connect to the computer during the day, and despite what you might think – they finish the workday more exhausted than ever. Why does this happen, and how can it be solved?

|ByDR. JULIA GOUZMAN

Jerusalem doctor uses bird photos to comfort PTSD and elderly patients

The birds, in their movement between ground and sky, presence and vulnerability, emanate the possibility of freedom that can inspire patients.

FEBRUARY 7, 2026ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
One of the photos of birds exhibited at the Herzog Medical Center.

Noninvasive magnetic brain stimulation offers new hope for PTSD patients

A Tel Aviv University study suggests noninvasive brain stimulation may reduce intrusive memories in people with PTSD.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByTPS
IDF helmet developed to get neuro feedback relating to PTSD.

Anchored in the Earth: The theraputic farm helping Israel's combat veterans

Now in its second year, the initiative serves approximately 60 veterans across four cohorts, providing a structured path toward healing and reintegration through farm-based therapeutic work.

JANUARY 31, 2026ByABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN
IDF VETERANS work the fields as part of Kaima’s Anchored in the Earth therapeutic farming program.

Israel experiences 150% more investments in mental health, $352 million in startup funding in 2025

Since October 7, Israel's mental health startup sector has been growing non-stop, showing the need for a nationwide plan to address the mental health crisis in the country.

JANUARY 30, 2026ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN
Mental health [illustrative]

KeepOlim: supporting olim where the system falls short

What began as an online community soon evolved into KeepOlim, a registered nonprofit now serving nearly 48,000 members across Israel.

JANUARY 29, 2026ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN
From L to R: KeepOlim Board Members Fabien Berdah, LiAmi Lawrence, Jessica Thangjom, and Director of Tikva, Susan Cohen.

Two years into the war: One in every five calls to ERAN is from a child or adolescent

Behind the harsh data lies ongoing anxiety, cut-short childhoods, and parents striving to stay emotionally steady.

JANUARY 28, 2026ByWALLA! HEALTH
A boy in distress

France's National Assembly approves banning under-15s from social media

President Emmanuel Macron is urging France to follow Australia, whose ban for under-16s on social media platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube came into force in December.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByREUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to the media ahead of a summit of EU leaders to discuss transatlantic relations following US President Donald Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on a list of EU countries over his demand to acquire Greenland, in Brussels, Belgium January 22, 2026.

Neural 'on/off' switch discovery may shed light on sex differences in social behavior

What makes this neural cluster unusual is its binary activity pattern: it is consistently active in females but largely inactive in males, only turning on during major social or reproductive events.

JANUARY 25, 2026ByPESACH BENSON/TPS
High-resolution 3D illustration of a human neuron with glowing axons and synaptic signals, symbolizing brain activity, neuroscience, and neural communication

Knesset advances bill granting October 7 victims unlimited mental health treatment

The bill was sponsored by MK Merav Michaeli and Moshe Gafni and passed unanimously, with 19 Knesset members voting in favor and none opposed.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Bereaved families and opposition MKs formed a separate committee meeting in the Knesset in protest of the first debate advancing the government bill that aims to establish a politically appointed committee to investigate the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.

Loneliness surged while suicidal thoughts declined after October 7, new study finds

Analysis of 17,523 helpline chats reveals unexpected shift in mental health concerns during national crisis

JANUARY 21, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
This stress will eventually cost you your health