Breaking the Silence: Making Mental Health a Family Conversation at Girls Town Jerusalem

The sight of parents filling the auditorium last week stirred something profound. They had gathered at Girls Town Jerusalem, in a remarkable haven for orphaned and disadvantaged girls for generations. There was something particularly poignant about addressing mental health in this space – a place that deeply understands the intersection of trauma, healing, and the vital importance of emotional support. The event was organized by Taazumot, a division under Girls Town Jerusalem auspices.

What makes Taazumot's work especially vital is their commitment to early intervention and accessibility – they ensure that families receive help regardless of their financial situation, taking a long-term view of each child's, family's, and community's well-being. The evening focused on mental health and parenting, but what unfolded was more than just another workshop – it emerged as a powerful statement about the community's readiness to evolve.

Taazumot Center at Girls Town Jerusalem

Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Key Insights for Parents and Caregivers

Last week's event challenged this paradigm. Dr Yaakov Freedman MD

Psychiatrist, Consultant and Author of "Off the Couch"

spoke about Helping The Hurt Before It Start and Rabbi Shimon Russell, LSW

Director of Kesher Nafshi International, Key Lecturer and Author of "Raising a Loving Family" addressed Creating a Resilient Child. Parents from across the community came together, united in their desire to better support their children's mental health. The energy in the room was palpable – a mixture of relief, eagerness to learn, and determination to do better for the next generation. The central message was clear: mental wellness isn't an optional add-on to parenting – it's fundamental to raising healthy, resilient children. Just as parents teach their children to read and write, they must equip them with the emotional literacy needed to navigate life's challenges. This isn't contrary to their traditions; rather, it's deeply aligned with their values of family, community, and mutual support.

Some key insights emerged from the discussions:

• One in three people struggle with mental health challenges, making it far more common than many realize

• Mental health issues often don't manifest until later in life, emphasizing the importance of early awareness and prevention

• Fundamental basics like adequate sleep and healthy nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining mental wellness

• Children from birth to age 2 primarily need unconditional love and presence from their caregivers

• Ages 3-12 require a balance of structure, clear rules, and consistent discipline to develop emotional security

• During the teenage years, fostering open communication helps adolescents feel comfortable seeking guidance while learning to make independent decisions

Rabbi Shimon Russell presenting: "Creating a Resilient Child"

The evening left attendees hopeful. Seeing so many parents actively engaging with this topic suggests the community is at a turning point. They're moving away from the stigma that has too long surrounded mental health discussions in families and communities.

As the journey continues, it's important to remember that every conversation about feelings, every acknowledgment of emotional struggles, and every moment of vulnerable sharing with children is a step toward a healthier future. When these discussions are normalized, children receive permission to be human – with all the complexity that entails.

After all, isn't that what parenting is about? Not just raising successful children, but nurturing whole, healthy individuals who understand that their emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health, religious beliefs, or academic achievements.

The conversation has begun. Taazumot and Girls Town plan to bring more topics into future educational events including: Pre-adolescents and Teenagers, Abuse Protective Parenting, ASD in children, and Trauma.