I apologise profusely for the behaviour of these people, who are nominally part of a community I a, part of and support, despite them showing values and behaviours with are the opposite of the reality. One should know that this problem is on both sides of the mechitzoh - I know many boys in yeshivah who wanted to learn slightly differently to the yeshivah and boom -suddenly he is adhd, and depressed from taking Ritalin. Boruch Hashem my experience with the ultra-orthodox and chassidish community with regards to mental health, has been either ignorant, but happy to listen or positive. I hope you and your family grow and thrive in all ways.
Weaponizing mental illness happens for both men and women in the frum community. It is also used in other places but is especially prevalent in communities that demand adherence to community norms.
Unfortunately, the proliferation of mental health professionals who have gotten mediocre training in the frum community will only exasperate this problem. It is important to spread this information throughout the community so that people are aware of the dangers of relying on rabbis and poorly trained therapists and psychiatrists for their needs.
My recommendation is that people should choose providers independently so that they can trust them to give them an assessment that benefits the individual, not the community.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm 66, l grew up in a large Canadian city, married, had one son and divorced when he was only two. I remarried 14 years ago and now live in a small town.
I was raised Anglican but, l've always been interested in other cultures and religions. I have travelled around Europe and the Middle East and enjoy architecture, museums, history books and documentaries. I've met and made friends with people from all walks of life but, l've never spoken with a woman quite like you.
Your story was enlightening and your strength is inspirational. I look forward to reading more from you and hearing about your remarkable achievements.
Alot of people get misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. I wonder what bipolar disorder actually is. What it really was, was you finding your own voice, your true self coming out, a side of you that you had otherwise had to keep suppressed for so long, and the dysregulation that came from being stuck in a crummy situation, laden with children.
That’s a great question! I’m not sure, but in my case, I know that I did not exhibit the symptoms that would qualify me for that diagnosis. I’m grateful that I managed to get out before being given stronger medication’s that would have debilitated me. Unfortunately, it’s a story I hear again and again in the Hasidic community.
My heart breaks reading what you went through. Am afraid to comment more on this because the cruelty that ensued is so inhuman and anti-Jewish that it is almost inconceivable. Much Bracha and Hatzlacha
I just want to give you a hug. I met a girl through Footsteps who has a very similar sore as you. This was a great piece, thanks for sharing
Thank you. Today I know that this is pretty common. I hope that by sharing my experiences others will be better able to protect themselves.
I apologise profusely for the behaviour of these people, who are nominally part of a community I a, part of and support, despite them showing values and behaviours with are the opposite of the reality. One should know that this problem is on both sides of the mechitzoh - I know many boys in yeshivah who wanted to learn slightly differently to the yeshivah and boom -suddenly he is adhd, and depressed from taking Ritalin. Boruch Hashem my experience with the ultra-orthodox and chassidish community with regards to mental health, has been either ignorant, but happy to listen or positive. I hope you and your family grow and thrive in all ways.
I agree!
Weaponizing mental illness happens for both men and women in the frum community. It is also used in other places but is especially prevalent in communities that demand adherence to community norms.
Unfortunately, the proliferation of mental health professionals who have gotten mediocre training in the frum community will only exasperate this problem. It is important to spread this information throughout the community so that people are aware of the dangers of relying on rabbis and poorly trained therapists and psychiatrists for their needs.
My recommendation is that people should choose providers independently so that they can trust them to give them an assessment that benefits the individual, not the community.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm 66, l grew up in a large Canadian city, married, had one son and divorced when he was only two. I remarried 14 years ago and now live in a small town.
I was raised Anglican but, l've always been interested in other cultures and religions. I have travelled around Europe and the Middle East and enjoy architecture, museums, history books and documentaries. I've met and made friends with people from all walks of life but, l've never spoken with a woman quite like you.
Your story was enlightening and your strength is inspirational. I look forward to reading more from you and hearing about your remarkable achievements.
Thanks Shelley. I appreciate your words.
Alot of people get misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. I wonder what bipolar disorder actually is. What it really was, was you finding your own voice, your true self coming out, a side of you that you had otherwise had to keep suppressed for so long, and the dysregulation that came from being stuck in a crummy situation, laden with children.
That’s a great question! I’m not sure, but in my case, I know that I did not exhibit the symptoms that would qualify me for that diagnosis. I’m grateful that I managed to get out before being given stronger medication’s that would have debilitated me. Unfortunately, it’s a story I hear again and again in the Hasidic community.
Glad you escaped safely and thank you for telling of the travesty. Nahrshkeit mishigoss epitomized 😵💫
My heart breaks reading what you went through. Am afraid to comment more on this because the cruelty that ensued is so inhuman and anti-Jewish that it is almost inconceivable. Much Bracha and Hatzlacha
Fraylichen Purim!
And we imbibe this toxic system so we also self inflict.
https://open.substack.com/pub/marlowe1/p/job-chapters-18-20?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=sllf3