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As we approach our first Shabbat in the month of May, see if you can fill in the missing information for the following (answers below):

1. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 18 suffers _____ in a given year.
2. Roughly 18% of Americans ages 18-54 have _____ each year.
3. On average, 11! years is the delay between _____ and _____.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the month of May since 1949. For more than 70 years, mental health physicians and counselors have endeavored to address the harrowing statistics concerning the state of mental health in our country. Efforts to raise awareness and destigmatize the range of illnesses that affect more than 50 million people in our country each year have been the tireless focus and priority of practitioners like the numerous mental health professionals in our Temple Sinai family, especially the Sinai members who have overseen the important efforts of our Nefesh Committee.

As affirmed in its mission statement, “Temple Sinai’s Nefesh Committee is committed to the safety, health, education, and wellness of individuals, their families, and the community through the delivery and support of mental health programs and educational resources for our congregation and the Atlanta Jewish community.”  Current Nefesh Co-Chairs, Drs. Betsy Gard, Josh Spitalnick, and Ina Enoch, are a critical lifeline for our clergy team, always available to provide a listening ear or helpful advice when requested. I am exceedingly grateful to them as I am to all who have served in the leadership of Nefesh since its inception.

This month, our Nefesh Committee co-chairs have arranged two programs to which I sincerely encourage all who are able to attend. The first is this Friday evening, immediately after Shabbat services from 7:30 pm-8:00 pm - Opening Up About Mental Health – during which Betsy, Ina, and Josh will share personal family stories involving mental health.  It will surely come as no surprise to any to learn that the statistics regarding mental illness during this past year have dramatically worsened. Thus, the second program planned – Mental Health and Making Connections: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic – on Tuesday evening, May 18, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm, is particularly timely. Josh, Ina and Betsy will lead this program in-person (up to 50 people; vaccination required) as well as virtually. Our Nefesh co-chairs have also compiled an essential Mental Health Resource for every member of the congregation. Even if unable to attend the program this Friday or on the 18th, please download the resource page here.

1. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 18 suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. (More than 152 million Americans will meet criteria for a diagnosable mental disorder during their lifetime, half by the age of 14.)
2. Roughly 18% of Americans ages 18-54 wrestled with an anxiety disorder each year.
3. On average,11! years is the delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment.