Man With Bipolar Disorder Shares Journey of Resilience and Achievement
Asher Cohen, a 54-year-old educator, has publicly shared his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, aiming to destory stigma and inspire others. After 27 years of marriage and four children, Cohen, who holds degrees in psychology, history, and educational administration, works as a high school teacher for students with emotional difficulties. He has battled depression since age 18 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 22.
Cohen's mental health challenges began subtly during his studies at a hesder yeshiva (a program combining religious study with military service). His first severe manic-psychotic episode occurred at age 22 while serving as an Armored Corps officer, leading to a mistaken arrest and involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. Over the next three decades, he managed his condition with medication, experiencing two more manic episodes and deep depressions, resulting in three involuntary hospitalizations. Despite the difficult circumstances of these hospitalizations, Cohen expresses gratitude, viewing them as necessary interventions that prevented further harm to himself and his relationships.
Four years ago, Cohen endured a particularly severe and treatment-resistant depression that lasted over a year. He underwent intensive interventions including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), esketamine treatments, and the surgical implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator to help regulate his brain activity. During this period, he grappled with feelings of hopelessness and the belief that he would never achieve personal or professional success.
A turning point for Cohen was completing the grueling Ironman competition in Roth, Germany, four years ago. While crossing the finish line of the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and 42km marathon, he wore a shirt displaying the symbol for bipolar disorder. This achievement symbolized his ability to overcome immense physical and mental challenges, proving to himself and others that he could lead a fulfilling life and achieve significant goals.
As a religious educator, Cohen experienced a profound crisis of faith, questioning how a benevolent God could inflict such suffering. He continues to wrestle with these existential questions, stating, "I still carry difficult conversations and monologues with the Holy One, Blessed be He. I ask him again and again: 'Why have you brought all this suffering and torment upon me? How can it be that God, who is absolute good, brings such hell upon me?'" Despite his wavering faith in divine providence, he found inner strength, influenced by a psychiatrist who told him, "Asher, you may be dealing with a mental disorder, but you are one of the most mentally healthy people I know." This perspective shifted his understanding of mental health, defining it not as the absence of illness, but as the chosen way of living life.
