Yom Kippur Fast for a Depression Sufferer

Question

Hello. I am a 39-year-old unmarried man suffering from melancholy and bipolar depression, which often causes me to have either a lack of appetite or an increased appetite, as well as sleep disturbances. For example, I can sometimes go to sleep at 5 in the morning because I couldn't fall asleep. My question is, am I obligated to fast? And how much, etc. I would appreciate an answer.

Answer

Have a good year and a complete recovery!
In your situation, there is no obligation to fast.
If you feel that you have the strength to start the fast, start it. But if you feel weakness or an emotional collapse, stop fasting immediately, and eat and drink as usual.

Source

Shulchan Aruch, Section Orach Chaim, chapter 618

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeres
The Four Species