Rachel Shebesh

• Shebesh has said that her husband first recognized that her changes in mood might indicate bipolar disorder and encouraged her to seek professional help. She later chose to speak publicly about her diagnosis and experience with depression as part of her mental-health advocacy. [2][1][3]

• Shebesh has described a period of depression lasting more than a year in which she struggled to move, communicate or function normally. She has said that she became almost suicidal during this period and that the illness affected both her family life and political career. [2][5]

• Shebesh has said that she takes medication for both bipolar disorder and depression and uses psychotherapy as part of managing her mental health. [2][1]

• Shebesh has said that she has been stable on medication for a long period. She has described becoming more comfortable spending time alone, understanding her triggers and setting limits on how much she gives to others as part of taking care of herself. [1]

• Shebesh has used her own experience to encourage other people, particularly young people, to speak openly about mental-health difficulties and seek help. She has also called for greater understanding and less stigma around mental illness, urging families and communities not to reject people because of their condition. [2][1]

“But from the day I took control of my mental health, bipolar does not control me, it's just part of who I am.”

— Rachel Shebesh [2]