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Why did G‑d give me mental illness?
Discuss (236)
Question:
Can you tell me why G‑d gave me a mental illness? Why has he made me suffer? I am not a bad person.
Answer:Every soul journeys down into this world with two suitcases. One is full of the challenges the soul has to face during its lifetime. The other is full of the talents and strengths necessary to withstand those challenges. The first suitcase is opened for you; the second you have to open yourself.
Your soul's challenge is mental illness. Your mission is to use your talents to turn the pain and frustration into a positive force.
Because of your openness and willingness to share your experiences, you can be an inspiration to others who have mental illnesses. You can bring hope and light to those who are not as strong as you, by showing them just how much they can achieve if they focus on their abilities.
You can also bring understanding and insight to those who have not themselves experienced the pain of mental illness. I for one have learnt an invaluable lesson from speaking to you.
Do you remember our conversation, when I asked you what was the hardest thing about having a mental illness? You said it was the silence; when people discover that you suffer from mental illness, they don't know what to say, and the conversation comes to an abrupt and awkward end.
So I asked you, What would you like them to say? Your answer amazed me.
You said, "I wish they would ask me questions about my illness. I wish they would show an interest to understand what I am going through. I wish they would give me the chance to share what I am experiencing, rather than let me suffer alone."
I'm sure not everyone is as willing to talk as you are, but I suspect that for many the stigma of mental illness hurts more than anything else. Thank you for letting me see it from your perspective. I promise to pass on the lesson.
G‑d has presented your soul with a challenge, but He has also given you a bright and warm personality, and a strength of character that can stand up to the challenges you face. This is a gift that I hope you will share with the world.
By Aron Moss
Rabbi Aron Moss teaches Kabbalah, Talmud and practical Judaism in Sydney, Australia, and is a frequent contributor to Chabad.org.
About the artist: Sarah Kranz has been illustrating magazines, webzines and books (including five children’s books) since graduating from the Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan, in 1996. Her clients have included The New York Times and Money Marketing Magazine of London.
The content on this page is copyrighted by the author, publisher and/or Chabad.org, and is produced by Chabad.org.
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MTL, Ca
I am replying to your post because it matters a whole lot more coming from you than any other source. I have not been practicing every day even though i realize that is the most important requirement. If you have reached me on this subject, i can guarantee that you reached others. Just thought i would thank you on behalf of all the rest.
Thanks for your beautiful inspiration. I know that you have promoted it in the past, but i didn't have the piano nor interest in such a hobby. i am keen to prevent brain loss. Losing a word here and there is an indicator
A fan.
w
"Sound" mind/Sound body
I know that there is something that is calming about music and I feel it's very important to listen to music, the music that you are attracted to, if you are feeling down, anxious, or otherwise upset.
There is a lot of literature lately about music, the brain on music etc. I know we all benefit from music in our lives and there is a hunger for music as it satisfies something deep within us all.
marshfield hills, ma
Just in case you get a pipeline to answers before me, can you add these ?
1. Does G-d have a purpose ?
2. Does G-d need a purpose ?
A couple of caveats : I am not so interested in hackneyed pre-packaged answers. I want to go beyond theology. We ran out of prophets. Mystics i am not so crazy about. If anyone can get this mission accomplished, it has to be you.
A fan.
Riverside, CA, USA
I opened this blog toward it's beginnings and re read some truly profound thinking. are we right in saying, why did G-d give me mental illness. Then the implications are surely deep, as in why the hatred in the world? what does G-d give and not give? what about determinism and free will? given any assumption then what about the ramifications?
will we struggle with such questions? should we?
how far can the human mind take us in plumbing the Divine Mind? since we ask questions and do probe such issues, are we meant to do this? is this an essential part of being and becoming?
Are we souls being perfected? if so is there a supernal meaning and direction to suffering?
Marshfield hills, Ma
Riverside, CA, USA
2. You recognize that each individual and their struggle is unique.
3. To offer stories of comfort and hope to those in despair cannot be wrong.
What happens all too often is the cheap advice of " Look at me. I did swell and you can too. "
Re: Richard June 19, you have found a certain talent that soothes your pain. Fantastic ! i hope that you will continue to explore this part of the answer, continue to be brave like a soldier, to " go back to the group ". Besides your artistic outlet, you have found a supportive social circle/friends. Thank you for offering your ongoing powerful story. It offers hope to others. I am so happy for you that you happened to drop into that Centre. You have managed to loosen the grip of that mental illness that has you. Keep soldering on. Maybe this forum could be another social network. We would love to hear about your progress.
To this i add, Mazel and Bruchas to you !
w
Brockton, Ma/USA
every struggle has it's own unique story and yes there are similarities but for many fortunately there are lights that bring comfort through that journey of darkness and such despair, am I wrong in saying this?
Marshfield, Ma