By: Dr. Daniel Balva, Council Member
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month, “In every story there’s strength,” honors the resilience and diversity among personal experiences with mental health, reminding us that every story told can promote recovery, healing, and inner strength. At the same time, reflecting on the topic of Jewish Resilience and Mental Health during Mental Health Awareness Month, I would be remiss not to practice what we often encourage our clients to do: sit with the vulnerability of our emotions in this very moment.
It is incredibly difficult to speak about mental wellbeing while simultaneously grappling with the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain inflicted on our community both on and since October 7, 2023—a pain that deepens as we continue to face the devastating reality that 58 of our brothers and sisters remain captive in Gaza after more than 575 days; as we grieve each soul taken far too soon; as Israelis live under the constant threat of violent escalation; and as the global Jewish community confronts alarming rates of antisemitism in a world that once vowed, “Never Again.”
While so many are doing the best they can during these difficult times, emotional wellness often takes a back seat in moments of profound hardship—despite being vital to our overall wellbeing.
Therefore, as we take a moment during Mental Health Awareness Month to check in with our own mental health, we are presented with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the message, “In every story there’s strength.”
The story of the Jewish people is one marked by immense hardship and strife, yet the remarkable strength and resilience of our people have been proven time and time again. We continue to witness this enduring strength and resilience—in the stories of those who risked their lives to help and save others on and after October 7; in the bravery of our IDF soldiers who put themselves on the frontlines to protect our homeland; in the testimonies of returned hostages who courageously share the unspeakable horrors they faced in Gaza with the world; in the determination of Jewish students who stand up to antisemitism on college campuses every day; and in the unity of the global Jewish community, which has come together to offer continued support to Israel during this time of need.
The strain of the present situation on one’s mental health and wellbeing can feel incredibly overwhelming and difficult to navigate—for reasons with which we are all too familiar. Yet as the physical and emotional toll of the war persists, and as global antisemitism continues to rise, it is okay to give yourself the time and space, as best possible, to reflect on your own mental health during this time. If and when the time permits, grant yourself permission to take stock of where you are right now, and of what you need to support your emotional wellbeing more fully. Sometimes, we may not have a clear answer to this reflection, and that is also okay. In such moments, however, might we allow ourselves to reach out and seek support from friends, loved ones, mental health professionals, allies, or even the broader Jewish community? My sincere hope is that no one—and no one Jew—should feel alone, regardless of how arduous the current situation may be.
Along with cultivating our own support networks, grounding ourselves—physically and emotionally—can serve as an important tool for self-connection and resilience. If you are open to doing so, I invite you—just for a moment—to place your feet on the ground beneath you and allow yourself to feel anchored in the present, gently pausing the world around you. As you do, softly direct your gaze toward a calming point in front of you. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose for three seconds… hold that breath for four seconds… and slowly exhale through your mouth for five seconds. Let your body begin to relax, releasing any tension or tightness you may be holding. Give yourself permission to let your breath become your anchor, grounding you in this very moment. And know that this grounding is strengthened by thousands of years of Jewish pride, resilience, and strength—bound by an unbroken chain that has led us to where we are today.
Remember, you can always return to your breath and this sense of grounding at any point in time—even if only for a moment.
Whether seeking comfort through family, professional support, or community, please know that you do not have to face these challenging times alone. Allow yourself the space to tend to your mental health and wellbeing as we continue to move forward, together, and remember that “In every story, there is strength”—including yours. An entire community is standing here alongside you—rooted in millennia of resilience, strength, and unity.
Our strength as a people has always been in how we show up; for ourselves and each other. To accompany this reflection, Daniel offered a few short, accessible tools to help support mental wellness in everyday moments. Whether it’s through grounding your breath or reframing your thoughts, these small practices are here for you, whenever you need them.
