Teen Girl Shares Emotional Journey Through Closed Psychiatric Ward and Recovery
Hodaya, a young woman who was hospitalized in a closed psychiatric ward for adolescents, opened up about her difficult experience during an interview on the program "Open with Efrat Barzel." She described how she went from being a happy child to suffering from relentless bullying and verbal abuse, which evolved into a harsh internal voice. Over time, she developed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with compulsive rituals and overwhelming anxiety. Hodaya explained that OCD is often misunderstood as just cleanliness, but it involves compulsions that must be performed to avoid severe distress. Her condition worsened, leading to self-harm and suicidal thoughts, ultimately resulting in her admission to the closed ward. Despite the challenges, she credits the ward with saving her life.
Hodaya recounted the intense feelings of imprisonment, missing her parents, and the difficulty of seeing others free outside while she was confined behind barred windows. Even years after her release, certain smells, places, and dreams bring back vivid memories of her hospitalization. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized that seeking help is not shameful but an act of self-care. Medication, which she initially feared, played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her gain better control over her thoughts and emotions and transforming her self-perception.
Vered Aviad, CEO of the Religious Coalition for Mental Health and a mother who has navigated mental health challenges with her daughter, stressed the importance of early intervention for children and teens. She advised against waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own, highlighting warning signs such as prolonged withdrawal, school avoidance, depression lasting weeks, self-harm, or sudden functional decline. In severe cases, especially with suspected psychosis, prompt medical evaluation is critical.
Aviad also underscored the vital role of community support, urging friends and family not to give up on those struggling with depression, even if they do not respond. Continuous outreach can provide essential connection. She noted that parents also need support to maintain their own well-being during their child's mental health journey. Simple acts like socializing or taking a moment for oneself can be stabilizing. The conversation concluded with a spiritual note, with Aviad expressing hope that divine strength will help individuals find the right path forward, balancing physical and mental resilience.
