Mental Health on Memorial Day: When to Seek Professional Help?

Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism is a charged day that surfaces emotions and brings to the forefront memories, feelings of personal and national loss, and longing for our loved ones. For many, these feelings are a natural part of the process. Sadness, tears, moments of silence, and even inner turmoil are all normal expressions for a day dedicated to collective memory and mourning. At the end of the day, most people will gradually return to their routine, and the difficult feelings will make way for everyday life.

However, there are cases where the sadness does not subside but rather deepens. When emotional pain persists over time, intensifies, or is accompanied by feelings of helplessness, despair, severe anxiety, or disruptions in sleep and eating – it might be more than just a natural reaction. If someone feels unable to return to normal functioning, has recurring nightmares, struggles to concentrate, or isolates themselves extremely – these can be signs that the mind still struggles to recover. For someone who lost a loved one or experienced trauma, Memorial Day can reopen old wounds and reveal the need for help.

The Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense offers a variety of services and mental support for those struggling on Memorial Day. Among the services offered:

'One Soul' Support Line: A 24/7 telephone support line at *8944, providing initial mental assistance to those dealing with post-trauma, including discharged soldiers, IDF disabled veterans, and their families.

Rehabilitation Farms: Therapeutic spaces across the country offering activities like body-mind workshops, guided discussion circles, and additional therapies with professional accompaniment.

Mental Support for Memorial Day: The Rehabilitation Division has gathered options for mental aid that can ease the coping process around Memorial Day, including information on new therapy groups and additional solutions.

Experts emphasize that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but rather the opposite – it is evidence of courage and strength. Psychological treatment can offer tools for coping, a space to process emotions, and alleviate distress. Even if it seems like 'this is how one should feel on such a day', it is important to know: everyone is allowed to check in with themselves regarding what they are experiencing and seek help when something feels too much to handle alone. Feelings such as ongoing despair, intrusive thoughts about loss, a sense of detachment from the surroundings, or 'flashback' experiences from the past are signals prompting you to ask for assistance.