HEALTH FOCUS: Mental health awareness
The horrific attack on southern Israel by Hamas on 7 October and the subsequent ongoing conflict are the source of huge concern for all of us. In addition to fears for the future of the State of Israel and concern about the safety of family and friends who live there, many countries all over the world are seeing the highest levels of antisemitism since the Second World War. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed about things right now, it’s quite normal.
The Cape Jewish Chronicle spoke to Cape Town psychotherapist, Debby Silver, who is a member of the therapy team that was formed during Covid to provide support to our community during these trying times. There is a community helpline and support groups initiated by the Union of Jewish Women. Debby has run three group sessions thus far for members of the community.
Debby emphasises that it’s important for all of us to be conscious of how we are feeling – and to take action if our emotional state seems shaky. “If you recognise that you’re not feeling good emotionally, you should seek support and assistance,” she says.
The starting point is to identify when you need to look for support. According to Debby, the signs to be conscious of include:
• You’re feeling on edge
• Your thoughts are regularly disrupted because your attention keeps focusing on the current conflict situation
• You aren’t eating or sleeping well
• You are fearful for the future
• You are feeling anxious, frightened and/or depressed
• You are having difficulty focussing on your daily work and responsibilities
• You feel hyper-vigilant
• You notice that your moods have changed
• You feel irritable
• You’re having outbursts more regularly than used to be the case
• Your relationships with family members and/or colleagues have changed
• Memories of previous traumatic events have also emerged.
If you recognise that you are affected in some of these ways, you need to take action so that you don’t risk an emotional breakdown. Debby suggests various things you should do.
“First off, practise some self-care,” she says. This involves a number of things.
“Get out and exercise – whether it’s walking, doing some yoga, stretching, going for a hike with a friend, or being active and outdoors,” Debby explains. Keeping a journal is also an idea. “In similar vein,” Debby says, “don’t isolate yourself from other people: reach out to friends, a Rabbi or a professional person so that you can talk through what’s bothering you.” If you feel you need to talk to a therapist, make use of the Cape Town Jewish Community Helpline. Send a WhatsApp message, voice note or call the Emotional Wellness Helpline on 079 875 3902. This is a free service, and you will receive assistance from one of the volunteer therapists brought in for this initiative.
“Keeping active is an important tool,” Debby says. Get involved in a creative activity – join an art group, do some sewing or work in the garden – or channel your anxieties into doing something to help. You could, for instance, volunteer to help raise funds for Israel, knit beanies for soldiers, or join a prayer group.
Some people find that conscious deep breathing helps relieve anxiety, so try that out. You can also calm yourself through meditation or mindfulness. Debby suggests that you look for an online app to guide you on this.
Another thing to remember is that it’s good to keep to your usual routine. If you find yourself opting out of certain of your usual activities,
you should try to keep your regular routine going.
Debby cautions against becoming fixated on news and social media regarding the conflict. “Be selective about what news you choose to read or watch.”
So,if you feel you need to talk to a qualified therapist or counsellor, make use of the Cape Town Jewish Community Helpline. Send a WhatsApp message, voice note or call the Emotional Wellness Helpline on 079 875 3902. This is a free service, and you will receive limited pro bono assistance from one of the therapists or counsellors supporting this Helpline.There is no need to battle your emotional struggles alone during this difficult period.
Very few men have joined the group sessions thus far. Don’t battle your emotional state on your own: speak to your Rabbi or call the Helpline to chat about how you are feeling
Holocaust survivors and 2nd and 3rd generation survivors may be particularly vulnerable to emotional upset at the moment. Don’t manage this on your own. Contact the Helpline for support.
• Published in the December 2023/January 2024 issue – Click here to start reading.
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