Depressed

No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Every individual is a closed door; while we can observe a person’s exterior, we have no entry into their mind. In recent years, the topic of mental health has become more widely discussed in open forums, but still retains a taboo-like nature. Though publications on the range of issues have certainly increased, it is still uncommon to come across a first-hand account from a sufferer. How much more so in the frum world, where there is yet greater reluctance to discuss these issues openly. Depressed is an open and honest personal account by Yehonatan (Yoni) Palmer of what it is like to suffer from depression as a frum man. This is a raw account by the author, who honestly felt the need to share his story with a wider audience to help others suffering from depression, for them to know they are not alone. At the same time, this insider’s account will help those looking in to understand this debilitating — yet common — illness.