From Pain to Peace

By Zvi Gluck, Director of Amudim
Posted on 08/14/20

Being a good parent and spouse while taking care of oneself and managing life's daily stresses is often a juggling act. Add in untreated trauma and the balls begin to drop. But once Danny*, a 35-year-old husband and father, reached out to Amudim and began the treatment he needed, his future outlook lightened and dramatically improved.

When Danny called Amudim, he was suffering from debilitating anxiety and paranoia that were affecting his ability to function and interact with/provide for his family. After a full intake, our case manager discovered the underlying history that had brought Danny to this painful place.

He had grown up with his aunt and uncle after being taken out of his abusive parental setting; unfortunately, the physical/emotional abuse continued in his new home, the place he had been sent to find structure and safety. At seventeen, Danny ran away, hoping to escape and bury the pain. By twenty-two, he couldn’t function, and sought out a psychiatrist who prescribed medication to assist with his depression and anxiety.

While things seemed under control for a while, life’s stressors continued to increase as Danny married and had three children within a short time span. His fears spiraled to the point where he could no longer leave the house, constantly scared that something terrible would happen.

Amudim’s case manager reassured Danny that there was a way out of the cycle of paralyzing pain; she suggested he see a therapist specifically trained in childhood trauma. We also recommended that Danny’s wife be brought into the picture to fully understand the situation and seek her own therapeutic support. After several follow ups, we are happy to report that while Danny still has a long way to go, he is hopeful that with continued treatment and guidance, he will find his way to a place of healing and ability to fully rejoin the world, becoming the father, husband and person he has always yearned to be.

Mental health issues don’t exist in a vacuum; they affect not just the suffering individual but those who love him the most. If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to call.  [646-517-0222] Amudim is here for guidance and support.

*Names and details have been changed for privacy purposes.