Moriah Peretz Shares Her Journey Through Trauma and Mental Health Challenges in Israeli Community

Moriah Peretz, a 22-year-old woman from the West Bank settlement of Atneil, opens up about her lifelong struggle with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and mental health. Her trauma began with a terror attack in her village at age 12 and was compounded by multiple losses in 2016, including the death of a beloved teacher, Sarah London, in a car accident. Moriah recounts how these events shattered her sense of security and led to severe anxiety attacks starting in high school, which eventually confined her to her home and forced her to seek medication.

Her path to treatment was difficult, marked by a painful experience with a therapist who told her, "There are long waiting lists," implying she was taking up space needed by others. This rejection deepened her isolation and nearly led her to consider suicide. However, with the support of a dedicated rehabilitation coordinator, her family, and a committed teacher who helped her during a severe anxiety episode, Moriah began to rebuild her life.

Today, she rents an apartment in Beersheba and travels independently by bus, milestones she regards as significant victories. Moriah also voices frustration over the stigma surrounding mental health in her religious community, questioning why celebrations like childbirth are marked with cakes, while those struggling with mental illness remain invisible and unsupported. She hopes to advocate for greater awareness and support for people with mental health challenges who often appear "normal" but suffer deeply inside.

Moriah’s story highlights the intersection of trauma, mental health, and community attitudes in Israeli society, emphasizing the need for compassion and inclusion for those facing invisible struggles.