Evacuees who have been displaced due to the October 7 disaster are facing a range of challenges that vary depending on their age and individual circumstances. For many, returning home is accompanied by fears of recurring traumatic events and uncertainty about what the future holds. Older individuals who have lost their homes may struggle to adapt to hotel living, while couples may request separate rooms, potentially leading to further separations.
Small business owners who have been unemployed for over six months are also struggling emotionally, as they grapple with uncertainty and a lack of purpose. Other challenges include single parents coping with unique difficulties, children engaging in risky behaviors due to a lack of structure, and a lack of continuous educational responses causing issues among youth. Despite these challenges, evacuees are showing signs of improvement in mood due to counseling and support efforts. Therapeutic techniques such as relaxation and breathing exercises, as well as referrals for appropriate treatments, are being utilized. Family and couple therapies are also in high demand, especially among women. Efforts to provide support to youth through various associations and therapeutic groups have been effective in offering a sense of community and structure.
Medical concerns have also arisen among evacuees, with an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression reported. Physical symptoms such as headaches, joint pain, difficulty sleeping, and worsened chronic conditions due to a lack of consistent medical care have been noted. The challenges faced by evacuees vary across age groups
