Maya Edmon Shares Her Battle with Bipolar Disorder and OCD, Advocates for Mental Health Reform

Maya Edmon, 29, works as a teaching assistant, rehabilitation instructor, and lecturer, while privately managing the challenges of bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a candid interview, she revealed how these mental health conditions have shaped her life since childhood, including the social difficulties and personal costs she has endured. Maya described her OCD symptoms as persistent compulsions related to cleanliness and order, which once even delayed her hospitalization due to fear of the hospital environment's hygiene.

Diagnosed around age 12 after teachers and family noticed her struggles, Maya only underwent full hospitalization two years ago at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. Despite the initial difficulty, she acknowledges the hospital stay helped her regain stability. Her mental health challenges have also impacted her relationships, contributing to her divorce and fluctuating friendships, though she credits her family for ongoing support.

Coming from a religious background, Maya admitted her illness caused moments of spiritual doubt. She emphasized that staying active and surrounding herself with loved ones are key to maintaining her well-being. Looking ahead, Maya aspires to raise awareness about mental health, influence legislation to improve conditions for those affected, and produce a documentary sharing her story.

Maya’s message to society is a call for greater acceptance and reduced stigma toward people with mental health issues. To others facing similar struggles, she encourages pride and resilience, stating, "You cannot break a person who rebuilds themselves from crises."