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**From managing uncertainty to supporting others while trying to stay resilient themselves, founders carry a heavy emotional load. Below is a curated list of mental and emotional support resources, accessible to those based in Israel or impacted by the ongoing war.

We encourage you to use these services not only for yourself, but also to share them with your team members who may be in need of support.**

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Taking Care of Yourself: Spotting Burnout

Building a company can feel like an amazing adventure and sometimes, a rollercoaster. Burnout can sneak up before you realize it, so here are a few gentle signs to look out for, plus simple ways to feel a bit more grounded when things get stressful.

Early Signs You Might be Burning Out

• Feeling kind of numb or disconnected from work, even on good days.
• Finding it harder to make decisions even small ones feel exhausting.
• Sleep feels off. You can’t wind down, can’t stay asleep, or you're waking up tired.
• Pulling back socially. You're skipping calls or avoiding seeing people.
• Feeling guilty when resting or telling yourself you don’t deserve a break.

A few small habits can make a real difference:

• [ ] Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding trick: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. It’s a common way to quickly reset when you feel overloaded.
• [ ] Pick your top 3 tasks: Focus on those for the day and let the rest wait. Progress beats perfection.
• [ ] Move your body: Take a walk, a stretch, or a workout can do wonders for your mood.
• [ ] Set boundaries with work: Give yourself a clear stop time or a dedicated break every day.
• [ ] Lean on someone you trust: Talking to a peer, a mentor, a friend, or even someone at your investor or VC who’s been there can help a lot.

💡 And most of all: Feeling burned out doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It just means you’re human. Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your company and for you.

📞 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Eshhar

A professional mental health support service offering therapy, guidance, and emotional care.

Eshhar Online

The Eran Hotline

24/7 emotional support hotline in multiple languages (English, Russian, Amharic, French, Spanish). Sponsored by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

Eran Hotline Or dial 📞*1201

Clalit - Mental Support & Assistance Center

Available to Clalit members seeking psychological support. Dial 📞 03-7472010

Natal - Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War

Israel’s specialized trauma support for individuals affected by terror and war-related stress. Dial 📞 1 800-363-363

Hotline Center for New Olim (Immigrants)

Emotional Assistance and Support Hotline Center for Olim

Dedicated support line for new immigrants to Israel. Available in English, Russian, Spanish, and French.

*📞 Dial 3201 (from within Israel)

🔗 Visit the Government Page