Bright Stars Ceremony: A Celebration of Light and Remembrance

By Shandria Patterson, Clinical Social Work Intern, Alexander Jewish Family Service.

November 6, 2025

Countless lives are lost each year to mental health-related causes. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, and substance-use disorders and other mental health challenges also contribute to reduced life expectancies. Every number represents a real person – someone’s child, sibling, parent or friend – whose life carried meaning, purpose and light.

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Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders can deeply affect how individuals experience the world. They can shape one’s thoughts, emotions and capacity to connect, often creating a sense of isolation that feels impossible to break through.

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Learn More about Grief & Loss Resources at Alexander JFS.

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