As the summer fades and the new year is upon us, with schools opening and holidays approaching, existing challenges and triggers are heightened. Transitions and beginnings are hard under normal circumstances; if someone is already dealing with prior struggles, this season can be quite difficult. But with the right support and resources to counter the loneliness and pain, we hope to ensure that every individual has a reason to celebrate a sweet new start.

Shana, a 21 year-old living with her family, called Amudim after hearing about the organization from a close friend. She had a traumatic childhood, dealing with verbal abuse from both her father and older brothers, which led to years of dealing with bouts of anxiety and depression. Shana had never had the courage to seek out help; but when each holiday arrived, her negative feelings and thoughts only increased. With Rosh Hashana approaching this year, Shana reached her breaking point, and she called us seeking a therapy referral.

Our case manager reassured Shana that her feelings of loneliness and increased anxiety were common based on her history, and that she longer had to face all of it on her own. She connected Shana to a warm and experienced trauma therapist, and they began regular sessions. The goals were three fold: to create a short term plan to address the challenges surrounding being home for the holiday, to develop the coping tools to handle them, and to work on long term solutions to combat the depression and anxiety. The therapist suggested a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and deeper trauma work to ensure the best chances of Shana’s finding a permanent place of healing.

As Shana’s journey has only recently begun, she and her case manager are in touch twice a week; and Shana reports that she is happy with the inroads she has established. We will continue to follow up, and believe that in time and with continued guidance, Shana will finally be able to look forward to each holiday with a sense of renewal and hope.

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.