At 24 years old, Zack* should have been excited for a new chapter in life. After he graduated from college and moved into a new apartment, Zack was hoping for a fresh beginning. Instead, he found himself spiraling into a scary and lonely place.
Diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 15, Zack spent years in and out of therapy, never quite finding his footing. While there were good days and happier patches, daily living was often a struggle. Zack was optimistic at first about his latest life transition. But he lost his job soon after the move, and he could not find the will or motivation to look for a new position. Most days found Zack in his apartment, leaving only to buy essentials at the local grocery. Concerned over their son’s wellbeing, Zack’s parents encouraged him to reach out to Amudim after hearing of the organization from a friend. Hesitant but desperate for support, Zack made the call.
Zack’s case manager first spent time listening to his story without judgment. He validated Zack’s struggles and reassured him that change was possible, that there were options available to him.
Together, Zack and his case manager explored local therapists covered by his insurance, and they worked through how therapy could provide a safe space to address Zack’s depression and anxiety. They also discussed Zack’s concerns over having tried and “failed” at therapy, making sure that he felt ready to try again for the right reasons. The case manager also recommended joining a support group to ease Zack’s isolation and help him connect with others who understood.
Slowly, things began to shift. Zack started weekly therapy and joined a support group in his neighborhood, where he not only found encouragement but also began building friendships. Day by day, his sense of fear and loneliness lessened.
Today, Zack is still in treatment. He has made friends, feels more hopeful, and even found a part-time job, steps that once felt impossible. Zack’s case manager continues to check in, reminding him that healing isn’t linear but that progress is always worth celebrating.
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 to protect privacy.
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.
Have you ever looked at your life and thought —
how did I get here?
Things started so full of potential… and somehow spiraled into pain, chaos, or silence.
That’s not just your story — it’s the story of Bereishis.
Light becomes shadow. Order becomes chaos. And yet… Hashem still asks: “Ayeka — where are you?”
Not what did you do.
Not why did you fail.
Just where are you?
Even after the first sin, the first shame, the first trauma — Hashem doesn’t walk away.
He looks for us.
He stays.
He waits.
Ayeka isn’t a rebuke.
It’s a lifeline.
You are still part of the story.
You are still worthy of light.
🎥 @zvigluck