Emotional health helpline for Jewish teens, available via text, phone, or WhatsApp from 6 PM – midnight.
Being Jewish can be a powerful part of who you are – from the traditions and community to the way it connects you to something bigger. But it can also come with its own challenges. As a Jewish young person, you might feel like you have to balance lots of different things at once, like your faith and culture, family expectations, and your own identity.
Antisemitism – discrimination because of perceived Jewish identity – can make things even harder. Sometimes you might feel like you’re struggling to cope, but there are lots of things you can try to keep yourself grounded. And if you need extra support, there are people out there who can help you feel better, whether that’s a family member, a friend or a faith-sensitive service.
With support from Jami, we spoke to Jewish young people across the UK about their experiences of mental health. This guide shares the information and advice they said would help them look after their wellbeing in ways that feel relevant, supportive and respectful of who they are.
Looking after your mental health is a key part of looking after yourself. No matter your background or identity, it’s an important practice for living a healthy life. Your faith, culture and belief systems can give different context and meaning to mental health, and shape how you understand and protect your wellbeing.
In Judaism, mental health is often viewed as part of your whole health. The Jewish principles shmirat hanefesh and shmirat haguf, meaning “taking care of the spirit/soul” and “taking care of the body”, show the importance of balance between your mind, body and soul. Caring for your wellbeing doesn’t have to be seen as something that’s separate from your faith – it’s deeply woven into Jewish values. Concepts like compassion, community and rest – found in Jewish traditions and sayings including Shabbat (which translates as rest), tzedakah (meaning acts of charity) and Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh B’Zeh (asking for help) – remind us that slowing down, connecting with others and seeking support are all important parts of Jewish life.
Why Jewish young people might struggle with their mental health
There are lots of different reasons that you might struggle, feel down or unable to cope. Each one is completely valid. Here are some of the reasons that Jewish young people have shared with us:
As a Jewish young person in the UK, you might at times feel unsure about how your Jewish identity fits into the wider culture around you. Living in a country where Jewish people are a minority can bring up feelings of loneliness or confusion about where you ‘belong’. You might feel caught between different parts of yourself or find it hard when others don’t understand or respect you. You may even find it difficult or frustrating to explain your Judaism or how you practise to others - or be unable to attend or access services, groups or social events because of it. These feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing them.
Antisemitism is a negative view of Jewish people that can show up as hostility or prejudice towards them. It’s a serious form of discrimination that targets Jewish people and people who are assumed to be Jewish, based on how they look, what they believe, and harmful stereotypes or antisemitic conspiracy theories. Sometimes it’s direct, like a hurtful comment said to you in the street, and sometimes it’s indirect, like seeing an antisemitic post online. It can be obvious or subtle – sometimes both. However you experience it, antisemitism can be deeply upsetting and it’s never okay. You deserve to feel good about who you are and the choices that you make as a Jewish person.
Having overlapping identities is a beautiful part of being human. But sometimes, the ways that people treat us because of who we are or the choices we make can be harsh and unfair. This can be especially hard if your experiences are shaped by more than one minoritised identity, for example, being Jewish and queer. Living with multiple identities can bring up mixed emotions and pressure to juggle different expectations. It’s okay if that feels complicated at times.
Family expectations can be a big source of stress, especially if you feel pressure to live up to certain cultural, religious, academic or work-related standards. It can be hard when the values or goals your family holds don’t fully match your own, or when you feel responsible for holding on to traditions or making your family proud. Finding a balance between pleasing your family and being true to yourself can take time, and it’s okay to get help while you figure that out.
Some Jewish young people may feel pressure to succeed because of the sacrifices that were made by generations before them, especially if their family fled conflict. This can lead to feeling like you should be grateful or positive all the time, and that you don’t have the right to feel sad or overwhelmed. There may also be a disconnect between young people and older generations who lived in the shadow of the Holocaust. Their experiences might make it harder for them to understand or empathise with the everyday stresses that young people face today. This can leave you feeling judged or unable to talk openly about your mental health. If this feels familiar, taking small steps to name how you’re feeling and talking to someone who gets it can make things feel lighter.
As I've aged, I now understand mental health and its importance more, especially as those conversations and feelings arise during your teenage years. My growing interest in politics has also encouraged me to research further into antisemitism and conflicts within the Middle East to gain a true insight into what the Jewish world affairs are, and how to disprove antisemitism that is thrown my way.
Looking after your mental health as a young Jewish person
Looking after your mental health looks different for everyone. It can be useful to try out different things until you find what works for you. Not everything will be possible all the time, so having a few options to turn to can really help. Here are some things you can practise or get involved in:
1. The power of Kehillah (community)
Community can be a space to celebrate who you are, share experiences, and find people who really understand you or your background. The idea of Kehillah is about looking out for one another through collective responsibility, being inclusive and taking part. It means knowing you’re supported and that you also play an important part in helping others. There are lots of different places where community can be felt, like your school or university, synagogue, affinity groups at your workplace, or within your circle of family and friends. Having community connections can make a big difference to how you feel.
For many Jewish young people, their heritage and belonging to the Jewish tradition gives them a deep sense of pride. Jewish identity is often rooted in connection – to history, shared values, and to each other. In times of stress or uncertainty, leaning into this sense of belonging can give you a source of comfort and strength. But if you want to explore community outside of Jewish spaces, that’s okay too. Some young people feel pressure to stay closely connected to the community or their Jewish identity after school or through university societies and friendship groups, even when it doesn’t feel like the right fit for them. You might want more independence, or to spend time with people from different backgrounds. It's important to choose what feels right for you.
2. Spirituality and connection
In Judaism, spirituality and mental health are deeply connected. Taking time to reflect or pray can help you feel calm, and can remind you of your values and what matters most to you.
Spiritual connection is completely individual – there’s no right or wrong way to practise it. For some Jewish young people, it might mean feeling at ease with the world through prayer, for others it might be another form of quiet reflection. The most important thing is finding what works for you and your wellbeing.
Here are some things you can try:
3. Shabbat
We know through hearing from Jewish young people that observing Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, is something that helps them to feel good. However you mark it, it’s a chance to detach from work, step away from technology, and connect with your faith and your friends and family. Slowing down and doing things that help you feel at peace can be a good reset for the busy week ahead.
It's good to understand that Shabbat is a time for families to be together, as well as the whole community. We go to synagogue, where each member is there to support one other.
4. Jewish festivals
Festivals are an important and valued part of the year for the Jewish community. They offer a special opportunity to connect, celebrate, and take time out from everyday life. Whether it’s lighting the menorah during Hannukah or fasting on Yom Kippur, taking part in sacred traditions can bring you closer to not only those around you, but also yourself.
Some Jewish young people might prefer not to mark Shabbat or the Jewish festivals, or you may feel pressured to do so in certain ways. Finding your own way to celebrate or connect is the most important thing, even if it’s different to your family or those around you. It’s also good to remember that taking time out for yourself during festivals is okay too. A balanced life helps you to have a healthy mind.
5. Balancing self-care with giving to others
Tzedakah (acts of giving) and chesed (acts of kindness) are key parts of Jewish life. Giving to others, whether physically or emotionally, is one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments). Judaism has a profound tradition of community support and volunteering, which for many, is a joy to be a part of. However, finding the balance of contributing in a way which feels authentic to you, may be hard at times. Some volunteering can feel like a rite of passage, for example during Bnei Mitzvah or participating as a youth leader. But it may not be the right fit for everyone. And that’s okay.
It’s also important to remember that giving doesn’t mean you have to put yourself last or ignore your own needs. It’s okay to set limits on what you can or can’t do or give, take breaks and make time to look after your own mind and body too. When you look after yourself, you’re in a better place to help others in a way that feels healthy and sustainable for you.
6. Healthy social media use
Social media can be a great way to connect with the Jewish community and find likeminded people. You might use it to connect with friends and family, share your experiences or to hear about what others have been through. But it can also feel overwhelming at times. Try to notice how social media makes you feel. If you start to feel drained or anxious, it’s okay to take a break. You might want to unfollow any accounts which bring up difficult thoughts or feelings for you - filling your feed with people and pages that make you feel good about yourself can also be a useful way to personalise your experience online and protect yourself from seeing something that might make you feel down. You deserve to experience joy, excitement, inspiration and connection online, it’s okay to be selective about who and what you follow.
Sometimes I find myself scrolling for ages and it actually makes my mood worse. Sometimes I go on there, see a funny post and it makes my day.
Getting support for your mental health
Everyone has good and bad days and it’s normal for your mood to be low sometimes. But if these feelings start to get in the way of everyday life or make it hard to do the things you usually enjoy, it could be a sign that you need some extra support. Reaching out early can make a big difference.
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Speak to a GP
Speaking to your GP is often the first step if you’re worried about your mental health. They can help you understand what you’re experiencing and talk through what might be going on. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you speak to them – just sharing how you’ve been feeling is enough.
Your GP can also refer you to other support, like therapy, counselling, or specialist services, if that’s something you want. But keep in mind that wait lists for these kinds of services on the NHS can be long.
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Speak to a therapist
Therapy is a space to talk openly about what’s on your mind, explore your feelings, and learn strategies to cope with challenges.
Some young people choose to go straight to therapy instead of starting with a GP. This is usually done privately and can be expensive, but if you can afford it, it can give you more choice over who you speak to and what type of support you get. Just make sure the therapist you choose is registered with a certified body like BACP.
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What to do in an emergency
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
For urgent but less life-threatening situations, you can contact NHS 111 for out-of-hours advice and support. You’ll get help from trained professionals who are there to support you.
If you need urgent help, take a look at who to call on our urgent help page.
Some Jewish young people might think that mental health support from outside their cultural or religious community won’t work for them – you may feel worried that your GP or therapist won’t understand your background or the specific things you’re dealing with. It’s okay to bring this up at your appointment if it feels important to you. It’s their job to listen, take your experiences seriously and help you get the support you need that also feels right for you.
It’s also completely normal for these feelings to be heightened when there’s more social anxiety or sensitivity around antisemitism, for example after world events. You may even have had a bad experience in the past where your culture or identity wasn’t considered or taken seriously.
These concerns are valid. But they shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you need. You have the right to find someone who listens, understands you and makes you feel safe, seen and supported.
Jami offers culturally sensitive support for Jewish young people aged 11-25 struggling with their mental health.
Get help now
If you're struggling with your mental health, you don't have to face this alone. Here are some faith-sensitive organisations and helpline services that can support you.
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Jami
Offers tailored support services and online counselling for children and young people aged 11-25 whose lives have been impacted by mental illness in the Jewish community.
View their weekly peer support groups that take place in London and online.
Explore their free support services for children and young people.
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Jewish Care - Listening Line
Offers a free listening service for Jewish people over the age of 18. You can discuss any worries or concerns, including social, financial, religious or personal issues.
- Opening times:
- 12pm-12am, Monday-Thursday and 12pm-3pm Fridays. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Shabbat and Jewish festivals.
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JTeen
JTeen provides expert guidance and support, ensuring that no Jewish teenager is left to face any emotional challenge alone.
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Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service
Offers bereavement counselling by trained voluntary counsellors who are professionally supervised. The service has experience in supporting people affected by loss, including suicide, disaster, holocaust issues, sudden infant death, miscarriages, still birth and abortion.
Services are free, but voluntary contributions are accepted.
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Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
More information and advice
This page was last reviewed in January 2026.
It was co-created with Jewish young people.
We will next review the page in 2029.
YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.
Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.