The holidays, while a time of joy for most, also present their own set of challenges.The lack of schedule, increased stress and expenses, and complicated family dynamics can get to the best of us.This is further compounded when a family is coping with an unhappy child who is struggling with religion. During this season when we see a rise in difficult cases, Amudim is here to help families survive the holiday, heal, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
A little over a year ago, Dina* reached out regarding her 16 year-old daughter, Raizy*. The family lives in a small town with strict religious standards; and Raizy was dealing with depression, anxiety, and feeling out of place in the community. She had fallen in with a crowd where drinking, cutting school, and self-harm were the norm. Within weeks, the situation had escalated to the point where Raizy said she would rather die than be home for the holiday.
Our case manager conducted a full assessment and decided together with Raizy’s parents that a residential treatment center was the best option. We called a few great places and were able to secure a spot for Raizy just three days later, ensuring she would be safe over the holiday and receive the appropriate help.
During the 45 days that Raizy was away, our case manager assisted her parents with finding a therapist for themselves; they needed guidance in developing a new approach to best help their daughter.
A year later, Amudim remains in touch with the family, checking in and providing continued support. And when the parents needed help covering the costs of Raizy’s outpatient therapy, we were able to assist, due largely to our donors’ generosity and the larger community that bands together to help those who can’t help themselves. Although it’s not the norm in their town, Raizy’s family also agreed to her request for a therapy dog, which has instilled responsibility and consistency in her life. All of these factors have thankfully contributed to Raizy’s remaining stable, happy, and presently thriving in school and at home.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is just a phone call away and here to help.
*Names and details have been changed for privacy purposes
Each week, Amudim fields calls covering a wide range of crises and addressing various human concerns, including addiction, depression, abuse, health and domestic emergencies and many others. We track the calls and breakdown of issues for many reasons, foremost of which is to consistently improve and strengthen our knowledge and ability to address community’s needs.
Mental health problems don’t
define who you are. They are
something you experience.
You walk in the rain and you feel
the rain, but most importantly,
you are not the rain.
- Matt Haig