World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10. Its goal is to promote knowledge and awareness in the field of mental health and to act against the social stigma on the subject. Mental health is more important today than ever. It is important to discover and utilize the resources available to nurture the personal mental health of each and every one, from children to the elderly.
The widespread harm to all parts of Israeli society has solidified the organization’s understanding that strengthening mental health services is an essential step in the rehabilitation of society. Therefore, we have set a goal of reaching 80% of the population through our services and making services accessible.
We are sharing essential mental health support solutions, tailored specifically for these challenging times. These solutions are designed to be used both directly and indirectly, to ensure the broadest possible response:
“Mental” Web Portal: A Comprehensive Response to Mental Health Needs
To address the growing demand for emotional services and support, we launched the “Nefshi” web portal in February. This is a unique platform that brings together over 400 personalized mental health services, and offers support, educational content, helplines, and free digital self-help tools. The web portal makes it easy to find appropriate solutions by age, population group, and type of assistance required. All solutions have undergone professional validation. Since its launch, there has been a significant increase in the number of users, especially in authorities in the north. However, we are seeing entries from all over the country, especially since the escalation of security tensions in the region. The increase in entries to the emergency area on the web portal is particularly notable. To date, we have recorded over 150,000 entries to the web portal, which indicates the growing need for accessible and comprehensive mental health services. Link to the web portal: https://www.nafshi.info/
“Dugri”: A dedicated app for spouses, parents, and family members of reserve and permanent service members
We partnered with the Dugri app to launch an innovative and accessible solution for emotional support for individuals and communities, with an emphasis on families serving in the reserves and permanent service. The app offers a place for sharing and emotional support 24/7, without judgment or stigma, anonymously. The platform includes dedicated communities, such as “Order 8 at Home,” which was built in collaboration with the Reservist Wives Forum. It invites spouses and partners of reserve and permanent service members, parents of soldiers, and other family members to join and belong to a supportive community. Conversations in the app are conducted according to a structured protocol developed by Shayetet 13, which has been proven effective in promoting well-being and resilience. Through the app and belonging to the community, participants can share experiences, deal with similar challenges, and help each other cope. There are currently 400 active participants in the community. Link to download the app: https://dugri.app.link/homefront-sms2
Community code: homefront.
‘First Light’: A training program for employees in local authorities for early detection and professional referral in situations of mental distress of residents in the authority
The program prepares for early identification of mental distress among residents, develops customized response skills, and provides tools for referral to professional treatment providers. It is tailored to the unique needs of each authority and expands the circle of early detection beyond treatment professionals. While maintaining their personal resilience. The program is the result of collaboration between the Joint – Resilience and Mental Health – Israel Beyond Limitations, and the Mifrasim Institute – Jaffa-Tel Aviv Academic College. Through “First Light”, we aim to significantly improve the ability to detect mental distress, raise awareness of mental health, and strengthen community resilience. Together, we will light the way to stronger and healthier communities throughout Israel. So far, 300 employees in 9 authorities have taken part in the program’s activities.
These initiatives are just part of a broad array of solutions and programs that focus on mental health care. We see a commitment to providing accessible and diverse solutions to the diverse populations in Israel, whether independently or together with many good partners who work in the field.
Every man and woman in Israel deserve to receive and find the support that suits them. Whether it’s our response or that of any other body, take care of yourself, mental health is the foundation for the resilience of us all.