CATCHing the Mental Health Free Fall

By Jessica Tsur

The mental health calamity is exploding in our community. Virtually every family is being affected. This illness in our health does not discriminate against anyone. All segments of the Jewish social strata are affected.

As a worthy individual who struggles with mental health challenges, it has been incredible for me watching the community offer multiple evenings of mental health awareness over the last few months. Presenters, including rabbanim, psychologists and social workers, are all in agreement that the Jewish nation is in the midst of a mental health catastrophe.

In my journey wrestling with intense anxiety and depression, I yearn for more, I demand action, answers and solutions. I cry out to know where to turn, who to call, where to get support , guidance and connection. I don’t want to sit on waiting lists for months at a time. I don’t want organizations directing me to another resource and another place. That only adds to the hopelessness of this illness.

Five years ago, I spent my 40th birthday in a psychiatric hospital as my depression began to reach dangerous levels. As a mother of five, a teacher, and active productive community member, I worked hard trying to externally communicate that all was under control in my life. Internally, I was fighting a horrific battle that was slowly draining away my drive to keep moving forward effectively. With lots of details in between, horrendous periods of emotional pain, searching for and navigating therapists and methods of funding therapy , Zucker Hillside Hospital was where I crashed. Feeling so alone in my mental health journey and having nowhere to turn was the straw that broke my camel’s back. This hospital was also where I was reborn. It was there that I realized how connecting to others on similar journeys was critical to healing. It was there that my organiza- tion, CATCH, was brought into being baruch Hashem: Creating a Team of Courage and Hope, AKA CATCH.

Currently in place are in-person clinician facilitated support groups. Two are for women who are battling with anxiety and depression. CATCH groups offer a safe and confidential space for individuals to connect, share, support, and validate one another. IYH future plans include groups servicing spouses of those who struggle, groups for men, groups for young singles, and older singles and widows/widowers.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to connect with an incredible and diverse amount of courageous people that face the shame. They reach out because they are in pain. They need support and care and are pleading to know they aren’t in this fight alone. CATCH is the answer. CATCH is turning this awareness and putting it into fruition, baruch Hashem.

Those suffering with mental health

Shem Tov - Jack Lebor

Don’t let the cool guy persona trick you into neglecting to appreciate the humility and sensitivity of Yechezkel Lebor. Jack is an innate leader, but at the same time is always looking to improve himself. In his unassuming and humble way, Jack has shown tremendous growth throughout high school, as evidenced by being voted Keter Shem Tov by his peers. His commitment and effort to learning, reviewing and mastering Maseches Taanis with the V’Haarev Na program is nothing less than astounding. Netiv Aryeh is truly lucky to be acquiring a true star like Jack next year.

illness also need the same structured support as those struggling with other physical illnesses. Support includes cleaning assistance, meals, childcare, homework help, financial assistance and referrals, just to name a few. Most importantly, they need to know where to turn.

CATCH is the answer and solution!

A CEO of a mental health organization recently asked me how I am able to speak so openly about my mental health struggles. I looked at him straight in the eye and said, “There’s no way I’m going to let shame win.” We, as people, children of Hashem, all battle with something, whether it’s visible to the human eye or not. No one has to go through their mental health journey alone. All of Israel is responsible one for the other!

Please reach out if you or a family member needs assistance or you are interested in joining our team. Info@catchsupport.org, 347-433-4742.