The female paradox: When functioning through trauma masks psychological distress - opinion

An opinion piece by Dr. Yifat Reuveni, head of the Research Department at NATAL, examines the 'Female Paradox' — Israeli women maintaining high external functioning since October 7 while suffering suppressed psychological and physical distress. NATAL data shows 55% of women reported mental health decline vs. 31% of men, 62% sleep disturbances vs. 38%, and a 136% increase in sleeping pill use among evacuated women. The article argues clinical metrics must look beyond surface functioning.

An opinion piece by Dr. Yifat Reuveni, head of the Research Department at NATAL, examines what she terms the 'Female Paradox' — the phenomenon of Israeli women maintaining high external functioning since October 7, 2023, while suffering severe internal psychological and physical distress. The article cites NATAL research showing that 55% of women reported mental health deterioration compared to 31% of men, 62% reported cumulative exhaustion and sleep disturbances versus 38% of men, and 47.4% of mothers with drafted children reported poor or fair physical health compared to 25.8% of mothers without drafted children. Among partners of reservists who served over 200 days, 57% reported a negative relationship impact. The piece argues that high functioning can be deceptive, masking trauma, and calls for diagnostic tools that look beyond external stability. The writer holds a PhD and is head of the Research Department at NATAL.