Shahar – For young people experiencing their first episode of psychosis

Early identification and therapeutic intervention among a young population, aged 18-30, experiencing a severe mental crisis for the first time in their lives. We believe that early diagnosis and intervention may greatly help to shorten the duration of the mental crisis and reduce its possible damages, from a social, occupational, academic and psychological point of view, as well as reducing the burden on the family support system.

Mental crises sometimes appear among young adults, who are in the phase of growth and development. Those young people, at the beginning of their adult lives, need a different and unique treatment from the adult population, because they are required to deal with a double - both with the conflicts that accompany their normal and natural maturation, and with a complex and threatening mental state.

What are the signs of a mental crisis?

• Anxiety, stress, nervousness.
• Decreased mood, loss of energy, lack of motivation.
• Sleep disorders.
• Difficulties in concentration and/or memory, confusion.
• Changes in the content of thinking - excessive preoccupation with strange, exaggerated or strange ideas.
• Social withdrawal - seclusion at home, loss of interest in old hobbies and social gatherings.
• Decrease in daily functioning - decrease in studies (sometimes to the point of dropping out of the educational framework), difficulty functioning in the workplace, difficulties adjusting to the army, etc.

How are you treated?

• Early diagnosis by a highly experienced professional team in the field, consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.
• Psychiatric medical follow-up, including drug treatment if necessary.
• Individual and group psychological therapy.
• Social assistance.
• Acquiring skills and help in dealing with everyday life.
• Support and providing information to families.

In addition to its regular activities, the clinic holds workshops and diverse informational activities, the aim of which is to expand the awareness of patients, family members and caregivers of the importance of early detection and the possibilities of treatment and prevention.

The clinic hosts a group for young people after a crisis, aged 18-35, led by psychologists.

To register for the group: email: groupsy@sheba.health.gov.il, phone: 03-5303349,
03-5303350