The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is focused on taking action for our collective mental health. In the Jewish community, this resonates loudly as we have been concerned about the impact of October 7, the conflict in the Middle East and antisemitism on our mental health.
Jami’s recent survey of people who use our services showed that a third of our respondents said their mental health has been impacted by the conflict, the news of these events and antisemitism. This information is a signal to us that we must all step up in our collective efforts to support our community’s mental health.
How do we do this?
Here are some ideas for you to practise in taking action to support the Jewish community’s mental health.
Practise your listening skills
Rather than being preoccupied by your phone or your next task, take time out to listen to what people say. Be curious, ask them questions and check you have understood them.
Signpost to Jami’s services
If we hear that people are distressed or that their mental health is being challenged, encourage them to call Jami or visit our website. Referrals for all our services can be made in this way.
Call 020 8458 2223
Visit jamiuk.org/get-support/referral/
Offer empathy rather than sympathy
- From the Greek empatheia combining ‘em’ meaning ‘in’ and ‘pathos’ meaning feeling
- Being empathetic means being in a feeling or alongside a feeling with someone
- Responding with empathy means putting ourselves in their shoes as much as possible
- We may have to put our own thoughts and feelings aside to be present for others
Respect your own needs and practise self-care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. We all need time to look after our mental health. What does your self-care routine look like?
Do you practise acts of kindness for yourself as well as others?
Take time out for rest and recovery. We all need to pause to look after our mental health.
Connect with your kehilla
When the going gets tough, take time to reconnect with your community – whether this is a synagogue, a club or our wonderful Head Room café, Jami’s mental health hub on the high street, supported by The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation. We all need spaces where we feel valued for who we are and where we can be ourselves.
By showing up for yourself, you are also showing up for others as you are helping create community.
We are all part of a diverse Jewish community and together we have an amazing resource – each other. Together we can make a difference to each other’s lives.
