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A stimulating and educational program is in the works for this coming July 6th, Lakewood’s Mental Health Awareness Day, launched by Nesivos, in partnership with Chemed and LCSC.
On the front lines of our community’s mental health, Nesivos, led by Rabbi Binyamin Greenspoon LCSW and Rabbi Yishai Ghoori, is on a mission to spread awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental challenges. Mind Your Mind, the newfound mental health awareness project originated by Nesivos, is a movement rapidly gaining momentum in Lakewood and beyond.
“Emotional struggles are just as common in the Jewish world as in the world at large,” Yehoshua Basch LCSW, case manager at Nesivos, attests. “Although our community has come a long way in recognition and understanding of mental health, we need to continue to make progress in educating the community with real facts, overcoming the common discomfort, and facilitating free dialogue.”
The program of July 6 will begin at 5 PM with The Sienna Capital Group Half-Marathon, a 13.1-mile run beginning at the corner of North Lake Drive and Rt 9 to the home of a key supporter of the Nesivos project. All Lakewood residents are invited to cheer on the runners throughout their journey. After the trek, runners and their supporters will be celebrating at the finish line with an exclusive after-party. Later on, from 7-10 in the evening, a live discussion/question and answer event will be broadcasted on 107.9FM, featuring a panel of Lakewood’s leading doctors and therapists.
Mind Your Mind is more than just a Mental Health Awareness Day project. It is a revolution of open recognition, open support, and perhaps most of all, open discussion of emotional struggles.
“Shlomo Hamelech writes in Mishlei; דאגה בלב איש ישיחנה, when a person has a worry in his heart- he should discuss it,” Rabbi Greenspoon explains, “This is beyond just practical advice, sharing your thoughts and feelings are not only the first steps to getting help, but also integral parts of the healing process.” Rabbi Greenspoon continues, “We need people to know that help is out there and that reaching out for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
An address for teens who struggle and their families, Nesivos is on a mission to prove mental challenges do not define you or your future.
“There are so many people out there who are respected and successful members of their families, communities, and businesses, who have once struggled with a challenge of some sort,” Rabbi Greenspoon relates, “When those individuals share their stories and successes with the public, they help not only themselves recover, but also help normalize the struggles so many others are facing.”
Let’s speak up when we’re feeling down. Let’s share our trials, and ultimately, our triumphs.
As a Nesivos teen puts it, “Your struggles may be strong, but you are stronger.”
To join or support the half-marathon:
To speak to a licensed specialist at Nesivos:
732-534-7800
