Finding Inner Strength: Rabbi Simon Jacobson on Coping with Mental Health Through Chassidic Wisdom
In times of overwhelming stress or profound challenge, the question of where to find lasting strength becomes more urgent than ever. For those facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles, answers can sometimes feel frustratingly out of reach. Yet, Chassidic philosophy—brought vibrantly to life by Rabbi Simon Jacobson—offers a perspective that brings both comfort and practical guidance.
Embracing Resilience: A Fresh Approach
One foundational teaching is the idea that our souls possess an inherent resilience—a spiritual reserve that remains intact regardless of external circumstances. Rabbi Jacobson likens the spirit to a deep well or warm refuge: you may face storms above ground, but there’s always a place of inner warmth and dignity to access just below the surface.
This is more than a nice thought: it invites readers to shift focus from defining themselves by their struggles to remembering what is unbreakable within. Many people, Rabbi Jacobson reminds us, are not lacking tools; rather, their environments lack warmth and support. Creating a nurturing space—like a supportive friendship, a beautiful room, or even a moment of kindness—can give struggling souls the artillery they need for battle. Just as a soldier’s helmet can’t guarantee perfect safety but does protect, a positive environment minimizes risk and maximizes healing resources.
Real-Life Insights: The Power of Community and Support
Growing up, Rabbi Jacobson learned the value of compassion from teachers—and from the stories of Chassidic leaders who never gave up on a soul in pain. A particularly relatable story recalls his teacher’s outrage at using sacred Chassidic texts as punishment, showing that encouraging a genuine, positive relationship with healing practices is more powerful than any disciplinary tactic. This attitude wasn’t just about religion, but about affirming every person’s worth in the hardest moments.
Steps Toward Healing: Practical Advice
- Admit the Challenge: Healing begins when you acknowledge the difficulty at hand. This simple act is courageous, allowing you to take the first steps toward change.
- Choose Hope: Even if belief in a better future feels thin, repeatedly anchoring your thoughts in hope can gradually shift your state of mind. Rabbi Jacobson notes that everyone, at their core, wants to believe tomorrow can be better.
- Decide to Act: Healing is not static. A firm commitment to change, even when results are slow, is essential to sustaining progress.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Whether through joining a faith community, opening up to friends, or seeking spaces that radiate warmth and understanding, surround yourself with positivity. The impact is profound.
- Mix the Spiritual and the Practical: Rabbi Jacobson advises acknowledging that Chassidic teachings alone aren’t a substitute for professional help in serious mental health matters. Utilizing therapy alongside spiritual wisdom yields the best results.
Connecting Deeply: Relearning and Reaffirming Hope
Not every teaching seeps in at once. Sometimes deeply held beliefs—that healing is possible, that suffering isn’t the whole story—need to be reinforced. Surrounding yourself with stories, songs, or lessons that uplift can slowly rebalance your thinking, just as negative thoughts can overwhelm if dwelled upon.
If you or someone you care for faces deep challenges, remember: there is no single, simple fix. Instead, choose to immerse yourself in environments and practices that bring warmth and hope. The process is ongoing, but every act of support and self-compassion brings you closer to healing.
For a more in-depth exploration and meaningful strategies, watch the full class here: Finding Inner Strength: Coping with Mental Health Through Chassidic Wisdom.
