One-Year Anniversary of October 7: Strategies for Coping

We will soon mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7^th Hamas attack on Israel.  While this is a particularly difficult time for the Jewish community, it is a crisis that has resonated and impacted individuals and communities across the globe.

The approaching anniversary may bring up difficult feelings for you, such as numbness, sadness, fear, anger, depression, helplessness, or anxiety.  While there is no one way to cope with a traumatic anniversary, there are actions we can take that may provide relief. 

Before reviewing the following suggestions, you may want to reflect on how you have coped with difficult anniversaries or events in the past. What has been soothing and what has increased your distress? 

With that, these are some ideas that may be helpful as October 7th approaches:  

• Limit media and social media consumption.

While watching the news or engaging in social media may feel like you are marking the day and connecting with others, too much exposure may be overwhelming and distressing. Consider the balance that works best for you.   

• Reach out for support and guidance.

Talk to others, such as close friends and family, about how you are feeling.  This can also be a time to plan what you want to do on October 7^th.   

• Community gatherings.  

There are opportunities throughout LA where you can be among community members – for some this is healing, for others this might be overwhelming. Many synagogues and cultural organizations will have memorial services and events.

• Keep up the basics if you can.  

Healthy food, sleep, and exercise can help you stay balanced and cope with stress.

• Get outside and reconnecting with your senses.

When you are under stress, there’s a lot of tension in your body and you may move into a “fight, flight, freeze” response. Connecting with your five senses can help to ground and calm you, by shifting your attention to the present moment. For example, being in nature can bring your attention and awareness to sights, sounds, and smells, helping to ground you and to feel centered.

• Create a ritual that is meaningful to you.

Rituals or prayer can be a source of comfort and create connections with others. They allow you to create some structure and can connect you to your feelings. One example is lighting a candle in remembrance. 

• Volunteer.

JFSLA offers volunteer opportunities, as do many other community organizations. Pick one that is meaningful to you. Volunteering can be empowering and give you the opportunity to contribute and connect with others.    

• Be aware of political and ideological differences.

This can be a volatile time. You may be aligned with your close family, friends, and community members on political issues, or at times there may be differences. You may even be at odds.  Maintaining awareness of these differences and choosing what types of discussions to have can be helpful.   

If you feel like the support of community, family, and friends is not enough, JFSLA offers counseling and other supportive services.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us 877-275-4537 or email us at services@jfsla.org. 

Jennifer Glazer, LCSW, is the Co-Senior Director of Community Mental Health and Case Management at JFSLA. Solara McCoy, LCSW, is the Clinical Supervisor for the Ezra Network at JFSLA.