In the last few weeks we have seen tremendous upheaval in so many aspects of our lives, yet it is the loss of Robin Williams that prompts me to write this post.
- Anti-semitic outbreaks world wide have threatened our sense of security as Jews.
- Blood libels have been repeated by leaders of Hamas.
- Hamas has sent rockets into Israel, starting a war that took many lives and is still unresolved.
- Within our own community there have been several deaths, losses, shivas in close proximity.
- Student loans and job security are a questions for many.
- Mental Health concerns are not dealt with well in this country and remain stigmatized.
Depression and other forms of mental illness are common in our world. They can be aggravated by every one of the stressors mentioned above. In our country, we have a problem of inadequate mental health care AND a stigma for using such care. Mental illness is ILLNESS. It is not a character flaw. It does not make a person defective. It means they have a challenge to overcome or to manage. Through therapy, through medication, through proper treatment, the majority of people with mental health challenges lead productive, happy and successful lives.
One way to reduce the stigma of mental health care is to acknowledge that it is also useful for people in difficult times of their lives. When someone is grieving, dealing with a trauma, or having a career or life difficulty; therapy, counseling, talking to a clergy person can be very helpful. Having a non-anxious, non-judgmental person help you talk through whatever challenge you are going through can be very helpful.
In my own life, like many caregivers, I have check-ins with a therapist/counselor. By discussing the challenging cases I see, I get assistance reminding myself of the importance of taking care of myself. By talking to someone else, I am better able to help my community, my family, my friends and myself.
The hardest part of depression is the that when someone is in the middle of a depressive episode, they simply cannot imagine getting out of it. It can feel isolating. A person may feel trapped, alone, without any support--even when those around are trying to help. Yet, with the proper support, great strides are possible. As the Talmud says, "A prisoner cannot free himself from jail." Someone who is depressed needs the help of others to break through--yet they need to recognize the possibility of improvement. It is not easy, but it is possible.
It does get better, but it can seem impossible at the time. Life is worth living.
I could now include many, many biblical and rabbinic sources on the wonder and meaning of life. While those might be happy to some, the most important number is below. As always, I am here for you, too.
For more information, see:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you are thinking about killing yourself, please call the Lifeline. People have called us for help with substance abuse, economic worries, relationship and family problems, sexual orientation, illness, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and even loneliness.
