Reply To: Going off the Derech

BRAINFREEZE-perhaps I don’t know what’s going on in NY these days, but in Israel, it is unfortunately very common to see kids like this. Here, many teens DO smoke, especially in yeshiva. And while it is unfortunate, there are many teens, (if not the majority), who are anxious and/or depressed as well. I’m not saying it’s acceptable, and I do desperately want to help my son. But he doesn’t let us help him. And I personally know at least 8 families with kids who went OTD and do worse than what you mentioned.

I have family/friends who are doctors/psychologists and I can say that my son doesn’t have bipolar, but thanks for your concern.