Are Jews afraid of dealing with mental illness?

[HilaryFave]

I feel that while mental illness is slowly becoming less taboo in the US, Jews are still super hyper about not mentioning and consequently, not dealing with mental illness. Is it just my family that still has their head in the sand on this issue?

[AlexL]

Yeshiva University made an event called Stomp Out Mental Illness something along those lines… The brought in speakers to address the issue & speak publicly about it. Because yes, your right it is an issue!!!

I feel it’s more of a taboo subject in the more Ultra Orthodox world… Less so in the Modern Orthodox, Conservative etc… Shouldn’t be that way though…

[SaraW]

In my community in Jerusalem there was an event put together as well to bring the subject to the public. The event was put together to educate and make us aware that each person is normal even if they are struggling with a mental illness or otherwise. The goal was to make this issue less taboo and help people be aware of how we can tune in to other people and be able to help or get help.
So far I know of a few people who have openly spoken about their postpartum depression etc. which definitely would have been hushhush before this event.

[HilaryFave]

That’s great @AlexL and @SaraW. I hadn’t heard of these events, but I’m so glad it’s being addressed.

[Michal]

Isn’t this the therapy generation? I can imagine that these things can bring on shame. But there is so much out there, and so much sponsorship for these things.

I went through a bout of post partum anxiety. It was really weird actually, but something really apparent and constant. After talking it over with a couple of friends, someone directed me somewhere and I got coverage for reflexology for 8 months. It helped me so much. Basically within the first treatment the anxiety was minimized.

I’m not suggesting that reflexology is the cure for everything. For me it really worked. There are so many therapies out there, and if someone wants help they will get help. The problem some people face are that they really don’t want help, they kind of like being in their comfort zones, regardless of the situation.

I think people are more afraid of people these days than anything else. If we can overcome that, than any issue people are facing won’t be embarrassing or feel so shameful.

Much hatzlacha out there to the klal.

[jonathanemden]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad you saw improvement.

[snowflakeblue]

I have bipolar, OCD, schizoid effective and Aspergers. I am hoping that a Torah observant Jewish community will accept me. Is this a pipe dream?