“Thank you, Sarah Chana Radcliffe for normalizing the use of psychiatric medications”

Not Second Class? [Inbox / Issue 848]

As I flipped through the pages of the Inbox, I was appalled at a letter regarding shidduchim with baalei teshuvah.

No, we’re not hippies who will never conform to societal standards. No, we don’t stand out in the crowd of our friends at a simchah for our strange ways of conducting ourselves or speaking, and no, you wouldn’t pick us out in a store just by looking at us.

Yes, we’re raising beautiful frum families in the center of “town.” Yes, we’re fully “integrated” members of society and yes, there is enough room for individuality in the frum world!

While I do agree that baalei teshuvah make great shidduchim with each other, I can’t comprehend how someone could compare the burning of seforim to baalei teshuvah. It took time, but we learn the Rambam’s works; we know they’re emes. There are Sephardim, chassidim, Litvaks, and many more. Some of the most influential, impactful, and core members of our society are not FFBs — you just haven’t opened your eyes to it.

Name Withheld

You’d Never Know I Take Medication [Family Reflections / Issue 847]

Thank you, Sarah Chana Radcliffe for normalizing the use of psychiatric medications.

I’m a wife, a mother of two, and a full-time accountant, and I suffer from debilitating postpartum anxiety. I was forced to stop nursing due to the heavy-duty, fast-working antianxiety medication I was put on while I waited for the second, longer-term medication to kick in. Until I found the right medication (with the help of an incredible psychiatrist), I couldn’t eat or sleep and was barely able to function.

With my first baby, I was weaned off the medication at about eight months postpartum and baruch Hashem life went back to normal. I was convinced that the anxiety was a result of new mom angst and that it wouldn’t happen the second time around.

Needless to say, when it came back full force with my second baby, my psychiatrist strongly recommended I remain on the medication. There was no way I could risk another episode.

You’ll see me in the park with my kids, shopping at the grocery store, and going out with friends and family, and you would never know that I take medication — and quite a high dose, for that matter. I’m so grateful for the team of medical professionals who guided me through, and helped me find the correct medication for my situation.

I’ve since encouraged certain friends and family members to consider medication as well, as I’ve seen how it can be an absolute game changer. I’m very open about my experience with medication and postpartum anxiety and feel very strongly that the conversation should be brought to light in a very open and nonjudgmental manner.

I’m happy and willing to share my story to whoever needs guidance or chizuk, as it’s a very scary phase to go through alone.

J.S.

I’m Impressed [Within My Walls / Issue 843]

I’m what you would call a “jaded” reader (although I prefer the term “selective”). I grew up between the bookshelves of my local library and read anything and everything I could get my hands on. So for better or for worse, I’m not easily impressed these days, especially by fiction.

But Leah Gebber’s masterpiece Within My Walls had me absolutely hooked from the very start. It has been a long, long time since I’ve been swept away like that by a story, but with each weekly segment I found myself instantly transported and whisked through time and space to another world so vividly brought to life in the most poetic and gorgeous way.

Leah, each and every one of your characters were fabulous and fascinating, the trajectory and journey of this tale was so vast and unpredictable, and I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciated your willingness to go there — ALL the way there — when touching on such difficult topics like abuse and abandonment. You kept it so real and raw and vulnerable. I cried reading your postscript and deeply felt every word in my soul.

I want you to know that each and every week after reading your installment, I felt like cheering and giving you a loud, standing ovation right here in my living room.

I sincerely hope you publish this stunning piece of work as a book so that I can read it over and over. (And honestly, I would love a sequel! I find myself wanting to know more about all the supporting characters: Leonora’s children, the girls back in the palace, etc.) Thank you for putting this out there and sharing your incredible talent with us.

C.S. Levin

Israel

Eat to Prevent Illness [Of Life Changes and Legumes / Issue 848]

Kudos to Naama for switching her family to a plant-based diet. Not only has she found a solution to her husband's gout, but by changing her family's diet she is probably preventing them from developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease (dialysis, anyone?), and dementia in the future.

Many widespread health problems in our community can be diet-related. It's time we take an honest look at the standard Jewish diet and, like Naama, make the brave move to omit animal proteins from the menu. In doing so, we can help our families enjoy longer, disease-free lives.

Please continue to provide more information on this healing way of eating. It will be of benefit to many of us.

S. Lewis

Jerusalem, Israel

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 849)