You can Be the Light

...against suicide.

Memories of light. ⓒLeviWelton

Baruch Hashem, even in the dead of winter, when the world is plunged into cold & darkness, you can be the light against suicide. According to the Boston Medical Center, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depressive condition that worsens during winter. Additionally, the CDC has been warning that the suicide rate has rapidly increased in recent years to such an extent that suicide is now the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34.

Let me repeat that.

The SECOND leading cause of death for our youth.

This is why I wish to highlight the need for many of us who celebrate a season of lights to remember our friends and family who struggle with suicidal ideation and depression. Sometimes all it takes is to share a thoughtful email or, better yet, take out the phone and call someone to check in before they check out. 

And sometimes you can be a light for another without even realizing it.

Out of all the amazing stories of my childhood Rabbi Yehuda Ferris, it is the miraculous story about his unintentional suicide prevention which I chose to feature in “Be like The Moon: a Chassidic memoir.”

For your convenience - and to show you how much power you have to make a difference - I’m including the entire story here.

Read on and become the light.