Israeli Woman Shares Her Decade-Long Battle With Depression and Path to Recovery

Michal, a former teacher and clerk from Israel, reveals her intense struggle with depression, a "transparent illness" that severely affected her daily functioning. After losing her salaried job, she retrained as a graphic designer but found it difficult to get out of bed or concentrate on work. She describes simple tasks like washing dishes as exhausting and shares how her depression led to suicidal thoughts and emotional numbness.

Her turning point came during a phone call with her sister before her son's bar mitzvah, when she shockingly admitted she didn’t care about attending the event. This prompted her sister to urge her to seek medical help. Michal began medication prescribed by her family doctor and later received psychiatric care and psychotherapy, which she continues nearly ten years later.

Michal faced a lack of support at home, with her husband unable to acknowledge her condition, leading to their divorce. She also experienced disappointment from her religious community, including a rabbinical figure who ignored her distress despite knowing her situation. Social stigma made her reluctant to share her struggles, deepening her isolation.

Despite these hardships, Michal found new purpose by creating digital games, which reignited her motivation and creativity. She transitioned from behind-the-scenes development to marketing her games, giving her a reason to get up each day.

Michal’s message emphasizes raising awareness about mental health, especially in the post-war context, encouraging those suffering not to remain isolated and to seek help. She views her depression as a difficult gift that led her to discover inner strengths and independence.