When Leah* first reached out to Amudim a few years ago, Pesach was right around the corner, and it was bringing up a lot…

The family dynamics, the expectations, the memories, the emotional intensity of Yom Tov - even things that may have looked small from the outside could feel overwhelming on the inside. She was carrying pain with nowhere to put it. And this time of year had a way of bringing much of it closer to the surface.

Over time, Leah began doing the hard work of healing. With the support of her case manager, she connected with a therapist who helped her make sense of what she had been carrying, begin processing it, and slowly feel more grounded in herself.

Recently, as Pesach approached again, Leah checked in with her case manager.

The difference was clear.

She shared that she's not in the same place she was when she first reached out. Pesach can still bring things up, and some parts are still hard. But she has more awareness now. She's learned how to notice what's coming up without being completely pulled under by it. She's made room for the reality that something can be meaningful and still feel heavy, and that both can exist at the same time.

Because healing doesn't mean everything suddenly feels easy. Sometimes it simply means you're no longer as alone in your own experience. It means meeting yourself with a little more understanding, a little more patience, and a little more care.

That's something worth remembering, especially around Pesach.

For those who are struggling, this time of year can bring up more than others may realize. It can surface old pain, heighten anxiety, deepen feelings of loneliness or grief, and make family dynamics feel even more complicated. What might look like distance, irritability, or needing space can actually be someone doing their best to stay steady.

Not everyone experiences Yom Tov the same way. And for those who are struggling, support can start with something simple: being met with patience, with understanding, and the reminder that they don't have to carry it on their own.

Leah is still healing. But this year, she's going into Pesach with more self-awareness, more support, and a stronger ability to take care of herself, even in a season that can hold both meaning and difficulty.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Amudim is here to help.

*Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.