Depression in the Jewish Community: An Interview with Dr. David Pelcovitz
Mollie R. Sharfman
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Features
Dr. David Pelcovitz is a Professor of Education and Psychology at Yeshiva University and is Special Assistant to President Richard Joel. He is a nationally renowned authority on parenting, adolescent development, family trauma, child abuse, and at-risk youth. His focus is on how these issues affect the Jewish community.
The Observer: Thank-you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to discuss mental health issues, particularly in the Jewish community, with us. To your knowledge, what are the mental health issues that are predominant in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: Sure. Depression is the "common cold" of mental health issues globally, but particularly in our Jewish community as well. Statistically, there is a higher risk of depression in Jewish men than in the rest of the population. In the general population, for every depressed man there are two depressed women. In the Jewish population, the ratio is one to one; therefore it is double the risk. It may be genetically oriented, but regardless of the cause there seems to be a higher risk of depression in the Jewish community.
The Observer: What can be done about this high risk of depression in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: Primary intervention is crucial. Keep in mind that the earlier there is recognition of a mental illness, the better the chance a person has in leading a "normal" life. It is better if it is caught before people become parents. If there are young parents who are depressed, the effects on their children can be quite devastating. It becomes very likely for them to pass it on to their children.
The Observer: Why do you think that depression is so common in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: In the Orthodox community in particular, there is a very intense academic pressure. The pressure for every kid to succeed academically sometimes causes parents not to recognize the unique needs of their kids, if they have a learning disability for example.
The Observer: Thank-you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to discuss mental health issues, particularly in the Jewish community, with us. To your knowledge, what are the mental health issues that are predominant in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: Sure. Depression is the "common cold" of mental health issues globally, but particularly in our Jewish community as well. Statistically, there is a higher risk of depression in Jewish men than in the rest of the population. In the general population, for every depressed man there are two depressed women. In the Jewish population, the ratio is one to one; therefore it is double the risk. It may be genetically oriented, but regardless of the cause there seems to be a higher risk of depression in the Jewish community.
The Observer: What can be done about this high risk of depression in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: Primary intervention is crucial. Keep in mind that the earlier there is recognition of a mental illness, the better the chance a person has in leading a "normal" life. It is better if it is caught before people become parents. If there are young parents who are depressed, the effects on their children can be quite devastating. It becomes very likely for them to pass it on to their children.
The Observer: Why do you think that depression is so common in the Jewish community?
Dr. Pelcovitz: In the Orthodox community in particular, there is a very intense academic pressure. The pressure for every kid to succeed academically sometimes causes parents not to recognize the unique needs of their kids, if they have a learning disability for example.
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