- Counseling & Mental Health
In the many months since the pandemic crisis began, JFCS’ focus has been crystal clear: no one should feel all alone in their time of great need. We are devoted to helping—by caring for the old and the ill, providing nutritious food, offering expert mental health services, guiding parents and children, giving loans and grants to those struggling, and more.
Loneliness was an epidemic in our society even before COVID-19. And now, because we often must physically distance from one another, the risks posed by social isolation and loneliness are even more profound.
On September 10, 2020, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States, will join Dr. Anita Friedman, JFCS Executive Director, live for a special community conversation on the state of the current pandemic and how we can not only survive it but thrive.
In his best-selling book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Dr. Murthy shares many wonderful insights and ideas. Here are four of his tried-and-true recommendations:
1. Spend time each day with someone you love.
For 15 minutes each day, talk with a person you care about. Though many are experiencing a sense of loss right now, people are also finding more love than they had before.
2. Focus on each other.
When spending time with loved ones, don’t try to multitask. Put the screens down, make eye contact if you can, and give one another your undivided attention.
3. Embrace solitude.
Before we are able to truly connect with others, we must first check in with our own thoughts and feelings.
4. Help and be helped.
Accept and ask for help when you need it AND serve others, in whatever way you can. Thousands of people have come together to volunteer and help those in need in our community. Learn more about safe and meaningful JFCS volunteer opportunities.
Join us on September 10 to dive deeper into this topic with Dr. Murthy and to discuss how we can nurture our children, our families, and ourselves. By taking thoughtful action now, we will flourish in the future.
As Dr. Murthy writes, “We will have this memory in common for the rest of our lives. And if we learn from this moment to be better together, we won’t just endure this crisis, we will thrive.”
RSVP for JFCS: All Together Now!
JFCS is offering comprehensive services to help those in need of food, home health care, or mental, physical, financial, and spiritual support. If you or someone you care about needs help, please call our JFCS Bay Area Critical Help Line at 415‑449‑3700.
Help us provide food, financial assistance, and mental health services to those who need it most. Donate to JFCS’ Community Emergency Fund today.
As a special gift, Dr. Murthy’s book is available for a 10% discount with free shipping from Books Inc. A percentage of book sales will go to JFCS’ Community Emergency Fund. Use the code: JFCSCOMMUNITYREADS. Shop now.