Haredi Man Recounts 12-Year Mental Health Struggle, Becomes Advocate

Duvid Lubin, a 30-year-old Haredi man from Modi'in Illit, has shared his 12-year battle with mental illness, which began at age 18 after a bureaucratic error at the IDF recruitment office led to him being drafted despite his Torah study status. This event triggered severe anxiety and paranoia, resulting in psychiatric hospitalizations and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Lubin recounts feeling that the psychiatrist needed hospitalization more than he did, stating, "I am a normal person." He rejected the clinical definition of schizophrenia, asserting his identity as simply "Duvid." During his hospitalizations, he witnessed a violent incident that caused him further trauma. Despite daily struggles with depression and difficulty maintaining employment, Lubin has actively confronted his fears, including traveling extensively and riding extreme attractions. A turning point came when he shared his story on Rabbi Yitzchak Penger's "Inspiration of the Day" program, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers and receiving an outpouring of support. This experience inspired him to dedicate himself to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Lubin has since written a book, "Greater Than Life," detailing his journey, which is being translated into English, and has initiated a project to donate Torah scrolls. He also fulfilled a personal goal by enlisting in the IDF through a special program, viewing it as a way to heal the trauma associated with his initial recruitment experience. Lubin emphasizes that his religious faith has been a source of strength and that Jewish law is sensitive to mental health challenges. He now works as a social activist, advising individuals and families, and urges the public to be more aware and supportive of those struggling with mental health issues, stating, "It is not a shame to ask for help, a small conversation can prevent the next suicide."