David
David
It is impossible to imagine the heights we can reach
David, an Ultra-Orthodox young man, likes to talk to people and help those in need. For example, he recently kept a sick friend company for many hours a day over several months.
What some people might not know is that David is more than just a caregiver. David’s own mental health struggles began at the age of 19, when he was still a Yeshiva student. David asked the Yeshiva for a draft deferment from the Israeli army. Because it was granted late in the process, he was still required to report to the recruitment office and was told that he was going to be joining the army.
At that point, he began to experience symptoms of anxiety and other mental health issues. David felt under constant pressure, like the army was continually chasing or searching for him.
I’d get up at night, check that the door was closed and that there was no one coming to arrest me.
David has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is regularly treated with medication. He has also received treatment through work with a psychologist. He was hospitalized twice shortly after the onset of his condition and now feels more stable.
“It’s important to me that people understand that having a mental health condition isn’t the worst thing.”
David is thankful that he hasn’t experienced stigma from his family nor from his immediate community, but he does sometimes encounter people with prejudices about those with mental health conditions.
People lack understanding of how to treat the mentally challenged.
He is not ashamed to talk to people about how he copes or about the difficulties he experiences, which he shares often with family and friends. He is deeply saddened by the disparaging attitude of those who don’t comprehend the challenges—and capabilities—of individuals with mental health struggles.
David now works morning shifts managing an organization that supports patients, and studies Torah in the afternoon. He also likes to participate in the preparation of community events, such as parties in the synagogue.
It’s important to me that people understand that having a mental health condition isn’t the worst thing. It’s possible to cope and even succeed. It is possible to find balance with medication and other treatments, and even reach achievements that are challenging for ‘regular’ people, too.
It is impossible to imagine the heights a person dealing with a mental health disorder can reach.
David’s story is also available in Hebrew
