Page 108 - issue
P. 108
because I hadn’t become pregnant function. very poorly by my own immediate
(which turned out to be a bracha!). “Chazkeinu is incredibly impor- family. It is my hope that the more
Slowly, the medications began to take people begin to discuss mental illness
effect, and I started to feel like myself, tant, because it’s so comforting to be openly, so that such poor treatment
again. My husband and in-laws were able to be yourself, every week for can happen less often and people can
extraordinary during this trying time, one hour, to hear someone’s story, get the help they need.”
even though it was so difficult for and to share what resonated with
everyone. My ten-year-old son was you in a nonjudgmental atmos- Rachel corroborates, “I feel like
also recently diagnosed with bipolar phere,” continues Rachel. “I always Chazkeinu has helped me so much! In
disorder, so we are dealing with that come out feeling more positive and an illness that makes you feel so iso-
as well.” almost proud to have this illness, lated and lost in your own thoughts
because I can be part of a group of and feelings and struggles, knowing
Rachel first discovered her illness such special and inspiring women. I that you’re not alone and that people
after giving birth to her first child. She just hope that more people join the understand how you feel – and can
experienced a severe manic episode, line and share. People should know remind you that it’s not something to
where she didn’t sleep for 10 days. “I that it’s a safe place. It’s been feel guilty about or ashamed of – is a
was very uninhibited and also had very extremely therapeutic and invigorat- wonderful feeling. After all, it’s just a
high spiritual thoughts and was able to ing. I am impressed with the sensitiv- challenge that Hashem gives you, like
be extremely and abnormally percep- ity of the cofounders. They have any other challenge or illness.”◆
tive of others around me,” recalls designed the phone line so it really is
Rachel. “Since then, I have been treat- a place where you can be yourself If you are suffering from a mental ill-
ed by a psychiatrist and have taken and feel understood, accepted, and ness, or have a loved one who is, you
extremely heavy doses of preventive stigma free.” can join the weekly Chazkeinu con-
medication. The medication, at some ference call, Monday evenings at 9
points, makes me extremely tired and Elana concludes, “Chazkeinu is my p.m. EST, by dialing 605-475-4000
affects my social anxiety and mood. dream come true. I always wanted to and using access code 952819. To
Luckily, most times – when I am not create meaning from my suffering by request a contact list or to be a part
pregnant or just given birth – my med- helping others, so they don’t need to of the Chazkeinu partner program, e-
ication is decreased, making it easier to go through what I did. Due to the stig- mail:chazkeinu@gmail.com.
ma of mental illness, I was treated
104 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
(which turned out to be a bracha!). “Chazkeinu is incredibly impor- family. It is my hope that the more
Slowly, the medications began to take people begin to discuss mental illness
effect, and I started to feel like myself, tant, because it’s so comforting to be openly, so that such poor treatment
again. My husband and in-laws were able to be yourself, every week for can happen less often and people can
extraordinary during this trying time, one hour, to hear someone’s story, get the help they need.”
even though it was so difficult for and to share what resonated with
everyone. My ten-year-old son was you in a nonjudgmental atmos- Rachel corroborates, “I feel like
also recently diagnosed with bipolar phere,” continues Rachel. “I always Chazkeinu has helped me so much! In
disorder, so we are dealing with that come out feeling more positive and an illness that makes you feel so iso-
as well.” almost proud to have this illness, lated and lost in your own thoughts
because I can be part of a group of and feelings and struggles, knowing
Rachel first discovered her illness such special and inspiring women. I that you’re not alone and that people
after giving birth to her first child. She just hope that more people join the understand how you feel – and can
experienced a severe manic episode, line and share. People should know remind you that it’s not something to
where she didn’t sleep for 10 days. “I that it’s a safe place. It’s been feel guilty about or ashamed of – is a
was very uninhibited and also had very extremely therapeutic and invigorat- wonderful feeling. After all, it’s just a
high spiritual thoughts and was able to ing. I am impressed with the sensitiv- challenge that Hashem gives you, like
be extremely and abnormally percep- ity of the cofounders. They have any other challenge or illness.”◆
tive of others around me,” recalls designed the phone line so it really is
Rachel. “Since then, I have been treat- a place where you can be yourself If you are suffering from a mental ill-
ed by a psychiatrist and have taken and feel understood, accepted, and ness, or have a loved one who is, you
extremely heavy doses of preventive stigma free.” can join the weekly Chazkeinu con-
medication. The medication, at some ference call, Monday evenings at 9
points, makes me extremely tired and Elana concludes, “Chazkeinu is my p.m. EST, by dialing 605-475-4000
affects my social anxiety and mood. dream come true. I always wanted to and using access code 952819. To
Luckily, most times – when I am not create meaning from my suffering by request a contact list or to be a part
pregnant or just given birth – my med- helping others, so they don’t need to of the Chazkeinu partner program, e-
ication is decreased, making it easier to go through what I did. Due to the stig- mail:chazkeinu@gmail.com.
ma of mental illness, I was treated
104 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
