Fasting in a Post-Traumatic State
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Question
Hello Rabbi, I am from the Gaza envelope area, and due to what we experienced, unfortunately, I have post-traumatic stress and I go for treatments several times a week. Also, on Thursday, the Fast of Esther, I have a treatment session. Many times during the session, I experience flashbacks or simply break down, and the therapist gives me water and something sweet to calm down. The question regarding Thursday is (in essence, there is a chance that due to the overwhelming situation, I might not even remember the fast... and eating and drinking help me recover a bit faster and not sink). If during the treatment I reach such a state, how should I act?
Answer
Hello,
Mental illness is considered as physical illness, and according to your description, you are completely exempt from fasting.
In any case, if during the treatment you need to eat or drink, you are allowed to do so from the outset.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 686, Seif 2
And this fast is not obligatory, therefore it should be eased in case of need, such as for pregnant or nursing women, or for a sick person who is not in danger, and even if only the eyes hurt, if they suffer greatly, they should not fast