On Oct. 7, a series of attacks resulted in unrest in the Middle East — specifically, in Israel and the Palestinian-inhabited Gaza Strip. As a result of these attacks, thousands of people have been killed or injured in Israel and Gaza, and the violence has only continued to rise as each day passes. While the immediate unrest is thousands of miles away from the United States, folks with family or roots in both Israel and Palestine have felt the impacts of the attacks. And though there is, unfortunately, nothing any one person can do to put an end to the violence, there are mental health resources available to college students in the United States who have been impacted by the unrest in the Middle East.
If you’re unaware of the current events surrounding Israel and Palestine, here’s the breakdown of the past week. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, attacked by launching thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel (as well as attacking the Israeli border on foot) on the weekend of Oct. 7. In response, Israel launched airstrikes into Gaza City, an area inhabited by 2.3 million people, on Oct. 10. In addition, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered to cut off electricity, food, and water to Gaza. In both Israel and Palestine, thousands of people in the region have either been killed, injured, or displaced.
Watching violence and unrest from a distance can feel hopeless, and that feeling is only amplified if you have family, loved ones, and cultural roots that are directly impacted. With that being said, here are six mental health and community resources that are available to college students who are affected by the current violence in the Middle East.
- The Mental Health Coalition
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Comprised of some of the world’s leaders in mental health, the Mental Health Coalition (MHC) seeks to destigmatize and provide resources about mental health. Specifically, MHC has resource modules for a variety of intersectional communities in the United States, including the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community.
MHC’s MENA Mental Health section has information on finding inclusive therapists and mental health care professionals, a variety of media to help with the destigmatization of mental health within the community, and other relevant information.
- Naseeha
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Naseeha is a mental health hotline for both Muslims and non-Muslims who are seeking immediate, anonymous, and confidential support. Additionally, the company also hosts a variety of workshops designed to address mental health concerns, gender-based violence, and more.
Naseeha operates from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. EST, seven days a week. The organization is based in Ontario, Canada.
- The Blue Dove foundation
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The Blue Dove Foundation is a Jewish-founded organization that works to address the mental health concerns of Jewish people and beyond. The Blue Dove Foundation also partners with various organizations and communities (both Jewish and intersectional) to provide open conversations about mental health.
Additionally, The Blue Dove Foundation provides media resources to educate communities on mental health, as well as offering workshops for those who may be struggling.
- National Students for Justice in Palestine
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For Palestinian college students, the National Students For Justice In Palestine has chapters in various campuses nationwide. Through advocacy and community, the organization seeks to educate others on Palestinian history and liberation efforts.
If your university has a chapter, consider becoming involved to seek comfort within the community. And, if your campus doesn’t have one, you can apply to start a chapter here.
- Hillel International
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Hillel is an inclusive Jewish organization that is focused primarily on college students. Not only do they provide a community for Jewish students, but they also provide links to mental health resources for college students throughout the United States.
Additionally, Hillel offers an exclusive code with Talkspace, a teletherapy app, for $100 off the first month of the service: HILLEL100.
- Disaster Distress Helpline
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For all college students who are impacted by the unrest in the Middle East, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a Disaster Distress Helpline that operates 24/7 for all residents in the U.S. and its territories.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357). In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or call 911.