The Chabad community, as we know, is not exempt from the mental health epidemic that has exploded in recent years. That’s why 35 mechanchos gathered together in Crown Heights to attend a suicide prevention and awareness workshop, “If You See Something, Say Something”.
This important workshop was developed and led by Mrs. Leigh Ioffe, a suicide prevention educator of 6 years, and brought to the Crown Heights community by a collaboration of MASK (Mothers & Fathers Aligned Saving Kids) & the Gelt Charitable Foundation.
During the presentation, Mrs. Ioffe dived deep into the context surrounding a suicidal individual, how to speak to someone about their suicidal ideation, and what kind of resources are available to ensure their safety. In Ioffe’s words: “Those who work in Chinuch have the opportunity to be mental health lifeguards. They get an intimate look at the functionality of each student, each day, and it is imperative that they are trained in how to notice red flags and when and how to step in.”
A key role an educator can play in suicide prevention is to be a source of connection. “If trauma is disconnection, then the core healing of trauma comes from true connection,” said Rivka Goldenberg, one of the event organizers. Disconnect leads to behavior filling the void, from shopping, unhealthy relationships, and endless hours on social media. During the workshop, the teachers were trained in how to be that connection: how to reach out and ask a student if they are feeling suicidal, how to keep them talking, and how to be an active listener.
MASK is a not-for-profit organization that offers a helpline, referrals to professionals and rehabs, & parent support groups. MASK is working tirelessly to fight stigma surrounding mental health issues for 24 years and 113,000 families.
The Gelt Charitable Foundation, sponsored by Gelt Financial, is a not-for-profit organization that is on a mission to spread awareness and educate on suicide prevention and mental wellness. The collaboration ensured that the workshop was completely free of charge for participants.
To learn more about MASK, visit: www.maskparents.org
To learn more about the Gelt Charitable Foundation, visit:
www.geltcharitable.foundation
