No one can make assumptions about the breadth of another person’s challenges or know the weight that each stage of life carries for someone else. Amudim is here to support those who are struggling with whatever they need; there are no “small” stories once you walk through our door or pick up the phone to call.
Shani* is a mother of seven children, all of whom are married aside from her youngest, Adina*, who is 26 years old and living at home. Shani describes her daughter as an outgoing, personable and kind individual who would make an exceptional wife and mother; and while most of Adina’s peers are married with children at this point, Adina seems uninterested and unmotivated in dating or marriage. What’s interesting about this case is that Adina is happy with her life, it is her mother who is concerned that her daughter is not fitting what she sees as the “typical” life trajectory in their community.
Our case manager spoke with Shani about her maternal worries and belief that Adina suffers from poor self esteem and would benefit from therapy. Her daughter has never been to a therapist before, but Shani had previously reached out for help with her own struggles and felt that Amudim could provide guidance on possible next steps. They spoke for a while about different possibilities and approaches to giving advice and input while maintaining respectful boundaries with an adult child who may not agree and has no obligation to agree with her mother’s beliefs. Our case manager recommended two therapists that would be a good fit should Adina be interested in pursuing it; they also discussed Shani’s joining a support group for parents dealing with any number of challenges or concerns.
While we don’t know how this story ends, we recognize that Shani feels relieved to have unburdened herself and encountered a compassionate and non judgemental space; and we will continue to be there for Shani and her family if they require future support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is 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.
"Healing may not be so much about getting better as about letting go of everything that isn't you—all of the expectations, all of the beliefs—and becoming who you are." — Rachel Naomi Remen