Through their BeWell initiative, the Jewish Federations of North America offers Mental Health First Aid trainings. Mental Health First Aid, a program of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is designed to aid participants in offering a first level of support to someone we know who may be struggling. Some months ago, I had the opportunity to become Youth Mental Health First Aid certified, and I definitely want to pursue the Adult Mental Health First Aid training. There is also a program in place for teens to learn how to help their fellow teens.
Through my pastoral care work in the congregational setting and as a past president and long-time board member of Tampa Jewish Family Services, I know firsthand, as do so many of us, that friends around us live with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. Each person deserves support and to know that they are cared about.
Recently, Karen B. Gerson, an accomplished educator and leader in the Jewish community, shared her story in her new book, “I Should Not Be Here: My Personal Mental Health Journey Encountering OCD, PTSD and Depression – and What Kept Me Above Water.” Ms. Gerson and I had been in the same aidah (unit) at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, and the publication was announced in the monthly email that one of our aidah-mates sends out. In it, Karen shares her challenges and triumphs as she navigates mental illness. She brings to light the stories of the friends and family on her support team so that their voices are heard as well. Karen lets the reader know that she is not a diagnosis. She is a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, community professional and leader, and a mental health champion. Her husband, Jeffry, wrote that the book is “her way of being loud about something most people are quiet about.”
Let’s make sure we are being loud about this important subject. The Talmud teaches, in the tractate of Shavuot, that “kol Yisrael areivim zeh bah zeh. The entire Jewish people are responsible for one another.” Karen’s book may serve as a reminder that while we don’t always know what is going on with someone, we still need to pay attention during our interactions, to make sure that each person is truly seen. That which is not visible on the outside is still present within us and in those around us, and we must be vigilant.
This column is published as a public service by the Jewish Press in cooperation with the Tampa Rabbinical Association, which assigns the column on a rotating basis. The views expressed are those of the rabbi and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Press or the TRA.