Israeli Educator Overcomes Family Tragedy and Mental Health Struggles to Develop Suicide Prevention App
Leor Shapira-Lekach, a 42-year-old educator from the urban kibbutz Mish'ol in northern Israel, shares his journey of coping with profound personal losses and mental health challenges. At age nine, Leor lost his father to suicide, a trauma compounded years later when a close friend died in a climbing accident. These events triggered severe mental health crises, including bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress, leading to involuntary hospitalization at Sha'ar Menashe psychiatric hospital.
During his hospitalization, Leor experienced harsh treatment and self-stigma, fearing he was dangerous to his family. He describes this period as transformative, ultimately motivating him to rebuild his life with the support of community mental health organizations like Amitim and Clubhouse Amit. Through a recovery-focused approach and a personal support system he calls "Team Leor," he learned to manage his condition and regain stability.
Leor’s advocacy extends beyond personal recovery. He developed "Matzilon," a suicide prevention app born from his lived experience and collaboration with the Technion’s social incubator. The app provides accessible, research-backed mental health tools for individuals and their support networks during crises. Leor also works to integrate mental health patients into the high-tech industry through volunteer projects.
Despite the pain of explaining his father’s suicide to his children, Leor emphasizes openness and age-appropriate communication. He credits his parents with teaching him resilience and the importance of seeking help. His message to others facing mental health struggles is clear: everyone is vulnerable, stigma must be challenged, and asking for support is vital to survival and thriving.
Leor continues to balance his mental health by engaging in climbing and community work, embodying his belief that life is a continuous choice and effort. His story highlights the power of compassion, community, and innovation in mental health recovery and suicide prevention.
