Not just virtual: Zigmond App launches support group for displaced teens

As of now, approximately 120,000 evacuees from southern and northern Israel are residing in rented apartments and hotels, mainly in central Israel. Among them, thousands of teenagers have been uprooted from their rooms, homes, surroundings, and friends. They have lost their normal daily lives, their routine of preparing for exams, and the typical concerns of teenagers their age. Forced to live as refugees with an uncertain future, lacking economic and employment stability for their parents, and enduring constant displacement for the past eight months, these teens face immense challenges. This is compounded by the horrific experiences of those from the Gaza border communities, born into a reality of rocket attacks, and now exposed to the extreme horrors of the events of October 7, 2023. Others have spent long hours in shelters, while northern teens witness the burning of homes and forests, along with other war consequences such as loss of livelihood and the looming threat of returning to bombarded areas. All are in a state of prolonged stress, trauma, or post-trauma, necessitating urgent care.

This is where the psychologists from the Zigmond app and the Friends Center offer their assistance.

Nathaniel Zingboim, founder of the Zigmond platform, stated: "The psychological impact of the war is evident in all of us, especially in teens. They are exposed to social networks and consume both reliable and unreliable information continuously and without mediation. Therefore, it's crucial to gather them, listen to them, and act as a mediating hand to the chaos they are exposed to. This is why we partnered with the 'Friends' Center, which focuses on group therapy for teens. Together, we will bring psychologists specializing in post-trauma and youth, creating circles of support, listening, and guidance for all displaced teens from the north and south who wish to participate. The workshop is, of course, free and will be held at the 'Friends' Center, 2 Nemirover Street, Ramat Hahayal, Tel Aviv. Everyone is welcome to contact us through Zigmond's Facebook page."

Dr. Alon Wasserman, co-founder of Friends, added: "'Friends' was established as a center with the goal of helping children, teens, and adults improve their social skills. The idea is to develop personally in the presence of significant others within a group setting. The power of group therapy serves as a driving force for change and growth, relevant to real life. In such a difficult and complex period for all of us, the potential support from peer groups can make a dramatic positive difference in coping for so many teens in ongoing distress."