Mental health re: Jewish culture

[Wannabeeinscrubs, ADN, LPN, RN]

I have been assigned a Jewish-American culture project, we are in our Mental Health mod. I have been doing research, and everything I can find says that "Mental illness is not, in the Jewish tradition, an indication of sinfulness, of degeneracy or a punishment from God," said Rabbi Lavey Derby. "It is illness."

I need to identify 3 nursing responsibilities related to the mental illness beliefs of the Jewish-American people. Am I wrong to think my three nursing responsibilities would be the same for the Jewish-American population as the plain old American. (another student was assigned Orthodox Jewish)

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I think it would be interesting for you to talk to someone who is Jewish, to get his or her thoughts about it.

Are Jewish people with mental illnesses treated at home or do they seek professional healthcare? Are they hospitalized? Do they have food, herbal or religious requirements or treatments specific to their religion? Do they wear specific clothing or must they have specific items with them? Do they require visits from their rabbi if hospitalized? How is stigma shown in their community? What about the older generation--are they as accepting as the younger generation?

I don't know the answers to those questions and asked them to tickle your curiousity...

[chiasmus100]

From my experience and what I recall from class Jewish people view illness and pain as something that should be discussed, so maybe talk about that. Jewish ppl are open about health problems and pain.

[NICU_Nightingale, BSN, RN]

Yes- it's not something unlike some cultures we find to be "sinful" of worth hiding. I'm not 100% Jewish yet but it's a work in progress. My SIL has depression and anxiety and she sees a medical professional for it and takes meds just like you would expect from many others