Woman Details Life With PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder After Husband's Military Service
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Hodia Kalafish, diagnosed with BPD and C-PTSD, shared her story of coping with mental health issues exacerbated by her husband Eitan's PTSD from reserve duty after October 7th. The couple, who have three children, have learned to support each other through their diagnoses. Kalafish, who grew up in an ultra-Orthodox home with mental health stigma, is now advocating for greater awareness and community support for those with mental health challenges.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Hodia Kalafish and her husband Eitan are navigating life with BPD, C-PTSD, and military PTSD following the October 7th war.
- Kalafish experienced severe separation anxiety and emotional distress during her husband's three-month reserve duty.
- Eitan's PTSD symptoms led to a weapon confiscation and a formal diagnosis after a lecture recognized his condition.
- Hodia's own diagnosis of BPD and C-PTSD provided answers to years of emotional struggles and anxiety.
- The couple has developed coping mechanisms to manage their conditions and raise their three sons.
- Kalafish, who left an ultra-Orthodox upbringing, is now working to destigmatize mental health issues.
- They have moved from Nokdim to Mevaseret Zion and Eitan suffers from additional physical symptoms like bulimia.
Hodia Kalafish, a 29-year-old mother of three from Mevaseret Zion, has shared her deeply personal journey of coping with mental health challenges, exacerbated by her husband Eitan's extended reserve duty following the October 7th Hamas attacks. The article details her struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), alongside Eitan's diagnosis of military-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Kalafish recounts the intense emotional turmoil she experienced during her husband's three-month deployment, which began when she was pregnant with their second child. She describes severe separation anxiety and the immense difficulty of managing their young son alone, while Eitan returned from service profoundly changed, exhibiting irritability and anger.
Eitan's PTSD symptoms escalated, leading to a frightening incident where he pursued a car he perceived as a threat, with their infant in the backseat. His condition worsened after his personal weapon was confiscated following a severe anxiety attack during a security shift, leaving him feeling vulnerable. A turning point came when a law lecturer, who also lives in their community, recognized Eitan's PTSD symptoms during a course and offered support, leading to a formal diagnosis.
Following Eitan's diagnosis, he encouraged Hodia to seek help, recognizing her own long-standing struggles. She was subsequently diagnosed with BPD and C-PTSD, which provided her with answers to years of emotional distress and anxiety. The couple has learned to navigate their conditions together, developing mutual understanding and support mechanisms to manage their household and relationship, acknowledging when one partner needs to take the lead.
Kalafish also discusses the challenges of her past, including growing up in an ultra-Orthodox home where mental health issues were stigmatized, and her gradual departure from that lifestyle. She is now actively working to build a community for mothers dealing with mental health challenges, aiming to break down societal stigmas and encourage others to seek help. The couple, who have since moved and are raising three sons, continue to manage ongoing triggers and Eitan suffers from additional physical symptoms like bulimia and fibromyalgia, while Hodia finds solace in writing and physical release.