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1 in 4 Israelis feels depressed
Poll indicates significant rise in symptoms of depression, anxiety among Israelis; 25% of respondents describe their general mood as 'bad' or 'much worse than in the past'
Between one-fifth and one-third of all Israelis suffer from symptoms of depression or anxiety, a recent survey showed.
Asked whether they have suffered from any depression-related symptoms over the course of the past month, between 21% and 37% of the respondents answered, "Often" or "all the time."
According to the poll, 35% of Israelis feel weary or sense a drop in their energy level, and 31% of those surveyed answered positively when asked whether they feel "guilty, sad or restless."
Twenty-seven percent of the respondents said they feel "hopeless" and "helpless," while 25% described their general mood as "bad" or "much worse than in the past."
Professor Amiram Raviv, who commissioned the survey along with Dr. Nir Isar, said, "The answers prove that we must raise awareness to the different symptoms of depression. Even if the respondents can't be defined as clinically depressed, based on their answers they are in need of assistance.
"A comparison with previous polls indicates a significant rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety among Israelis," he said.
The poll surveyed 507 men and woman aged 16 and over.
