“It’s a Wonderful Life” is played around Christmas time every year without fail since its release in 1946. In this classic movie, George Bailey, a building and loan banker in Bedford Falls, NY, believes that everyone else would be better off without him in their lives. However, before he can carry out his plan, his guardian angel Clarence stops George and takes him on a journey to show him a life where he never existed. He finds out all the horrible things that would have happened if he was never born and begs Clarence to bring his life back. 

Every person’s life is valuable. One person has such an impact on the people surrounding them that if they were gone, there would be a piece missing from everyone’s day. This is the important message that this movie carries, which is still relevant and important today. The pandemic has left many feeling isolated and on edge with all the unknowns being thrown at us. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, many people have experienced “loneliness, anxiety, depression and substance abuse” from the lockdowns and pandemics. This has left our country with a mental health crisis. 

In the movie, George feels like he has no impact on the world, which is how many people feel now. This movie shows everyone watching that they have a huge impact on everyone around them whether they see it or not. 

In Loudoun County, we have Sources of Strength to help kids realize their support systems. According to Sources of Strength, their mission is “to provide the highest quality [prevention] for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering peer leaders and adults to impact their world through the power of connection, hope, help, and strength.” Peer leaders at schools are chosen to learn about Sources of Strength and how to implement each strength within the school. This is a good step towards helping the mental health crisis our country is facing, as it provides knowledge on how to help others and shows people struggling how to reach out. 

In the movie, Clarence acts as these peers. He shows George his support systems like his family, friends, and his community. They all would be completely different without him, and it shows that George was an important part of their lives. George realizes that they care about him and that he can always rely on them and begins to appreciate what he has, and his life. Sources of Strength shows everyone what support systems they have, just like how Clarence showed George that he matters and makes a huge impact on others. 

While some may call this another holiday movie that is played every year, it’s also a great reminder to everyone that they matter. People do care about your life, and your life is valuable.

If you are thinking about ending your life or are worried about someone please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.